What is a spontaneous reaction?

Chemistry by OpenStax (2015-05-04)
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168390
Author:Klaus Theopold, Richard H Langley, Paul Flowers, William R. Robinson, Mark Blaser
Publisher:Klaus Theopold, Richard H Langley, Paul Flowers, William R. Robinson, Mark Blaser
Chapter16: Thermodynamics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1E: What is a spontaneous reaction?
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What is a spontaneous reaction?

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Definition

Spontaneous Reaction:

A spontaneous reaction is described in a very simplistic way as the reaction which proceeds without any driving force from external sources. It can also be defined as the reaction which proceeds from reactants to products without any external help. The reaction is spontaneous not necessarily imply that the reaction is happening instantaneously but it only implies that no external disturbance is required for the reaction to go into completion.

for example, the rusting of iron in the presence of air and water is spontaneous but it happens during a longer duration of time and not instantaneously.

 

 

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