Which of the following processes are spontaneous and which are nonspontaneous: (a) the ripening of a banana, (b) dissolution of sugar in a cup of hot coffee, \((\mathrm{c})\) the reaction of nitrogen atoms to form \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) molecules at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(1 \mathrm{~atm},\) (d) lightning, (e) formation of \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) molecules from \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) at room temperature and 1 atm of pressure?

Ripening of fruits, like a banana, is a spontaneous process. It is a natural occurrence and requires no external intervention for it to happen. Fruits ripen due to the production of ethylene, a plant hormone that regulates fruit maturity.

The dissolution of sugar in hot coffee is also a spontaneous process. As the temperature of the coffee is higher, it increases the solubility of sugar. Increased motion of molecules due to heat allows the sugar to dissolve more easily. Stirring may speed up the process, but it is not necessary for the sugar to dissolve.

The formation of dinitrogen (N2) molecules from individual nitrogen atoms at 25°C and 1 atm is spontaneous. Triple-bonded diatomic nitrogen is a highly stable compound, so nitrogen atoms tend to form these molecules naturally when given the chance.

Lightning is a spontaneous process. It occurs naturally as a result of the separation of electric charges in storm clouds and the buildup of static electricity, which leads to a sudden discharge of electrical energy.

The formation of methane (CH4) and oxygen (O2) molecules from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) at room temperature and 1 atm pressure is non-spontaneous. This reaction requires an external energy source, such as sunlight in photosynthesis, to break strong bonds in CO2 and H2O and form the bonds in CH4 and O2. In the absence of an energy input (e.g., sunlight), the reaction will not occur spontaneously. To summarize: 1. The ripening of a banana is a spontaneous process. 2. Dissolution of sugar in hot coffee is a spontaneous process. 3. Formation of N2 molecules at 25°C and 1 atm is a spontaneous process. 4. Lightning is a spontaneous process. 5. Formation of CH4 and O2 from CO2 and H2O at room temperature and 1 atm is a non-spontaneous process.