free energy n (physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs Synonym(s) energy
News & Articles free energy When calculating cell-growth thermodynamics, reconsider using the Gibbs free energy equation A forthcoming article in The Quarterly Review of Biology provides the basis for an argument against using the Gibbs free energy equation to accurately determine the thermodynamics of microbial growth. June 10, 2013 - EurekAlert!