Under what conditions can an endothermic reaction occur naturally? Explain your reasoning.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An endothermic reaction can naturally occur if it leads to a significant increase in the system’s entropy or if it takes place at high temperatures. This happens because the total free energy of the system (\( \Delta G\)) decreases under these circumstances, which is a requirement for a spontaneous or natural process.

Step by step solution

01

Concept of Endothermic Reaction

Endothermic reactions are characterized by the absorption of heat from the surroundings. They occur when the energy needed to break the bonds in the reactants (Input energy) is more than the energy released during the formation of the products (Output energy). The overall energy change (\( \Delta H\)) for such reactions is positive, indicating heat is absorbed.
02

Identify Conditions for a Natural Reaction

A reaction occurs naturally without any continuous external input when it attains a state of minimum potential energy, which we call equilibrium. Hence, for any reaction to occur naturally, firstly, the overall reaction must proceed with a decrease in Free energy (\( \Delta G\)). The relation of Free energy with Enthalpy (\( \Delta H\)) and Entropy (\( \Delta S\)) is given as: \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S\), where T is the absolute temperature.
03

Conditions for Endothermic Reaction to Occur Naturally

For an endothermic reaction to occur naturally (\( \Delta G < 0\)), \( \Delta H\) is positive, therefore \( T\Delta S\) must be more positive than \( \Delta H\). This indicates that for an endothermic reaction to occur naturally, the entropy increase of the system must be large, and/or the reaction must be at a high temperature. In summary, an endothermic reaction can occur naturally if it leads to a significant increase in the randomness (entropy) of the system, or if it is carried out at a high temperature.

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