The enthalpy change, equilibrium constant, Gibbs free energy change, and entropy change of the dissolution of urea in water were determined in a guided-inquiry lab experiment. Introductory-level students were able to obtain quite satisfactory thermodynamic values for the dissolution of urea using minimal equipment and a very simple procedure. The enthalpy change of dissolution was determined with a simple coffee-cup calorimeter. Students then directly determined the concentration of a saturated solution of urea simply by measuring the amount of urea used and the total volume of the solution as prepared in a graduated cylinder. The equilibrium expression for the dissolution of urea can be simplified to K = [urea]. With the enthalpy change and the equilibrium constant determined experimentally, the free energy change and enthalpy change for the process are readily calculated.
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