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Chapter 10: Problem 4

What is a spontaneous reaction?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A spontaneous reaction is a chemical reaction that, once started, proceeds on its own without any external influence. Whether a reaction is spontaneous or not depends on changes in enthalpy (heat energy) and entropy (disorder). Often, these are determined by the Gibbs free energy change.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Spontaneous Reaction

A spontaneous reaction is a chemical reaction that, once initiated, proceeds on its own without any external influence. These reactions occur naturally and self-sustain as long as the conditions that drive the reaction are present.
02

Conditions for Spontaneous Reaction

Generally, a reaction becomes spontaneous if it leads to an increase in the disorder (or entropy) of the universe or if it is exothermic (releases heat). However, not all exothermic reactions are spontaneous, and not all spontaneous reactions are exothermic. It depends on a combination of changes in enthalpy (heat energy) and entropy.
03

Analysing Factors Driving Spontaneity

The spontaneity of a reaction is often determined by the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG). For a reaction to be spontaneous, the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) should be negative; ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, T is the temperature in Kelvin and ΔS is the change in entropy.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate \(C\) for indium metal given that 1.0 mol In absorbs 53 J during the following process. $$\operatorname{In}(s, 297.5 \mathrm{K}) \longrightarrow \operatorname{In}(s, 299.5 \mathrm{K})$$

Name two processes for which you could determine an enthalpy change.

Distinguish between heat and temperature.

Why is entropy described as an extensive property?

Define heat.
See all solutions

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