Chapter 17, Problem 17.1QP

Explain what is meant by a spontaneous process. Give two examples each of spontaneous and nonspontaneous processes.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Spontaneous process has to be explained and two examples for spontaneous and non spontaneous process have to be given.

Concept introduction:

Any natural process or a chemical reaction taking place in a laboratory can be classified into two categories, spontaneous or nonspontaneous. Spontaneous process occurs by itself, without the influence of external energy. In spontaneous process the free energy of the system decreases and entropy of the system increases. Nonspontaneous process requires an external influence for initiation. In nonspontaneous process the free energy of the system increases but entropy in the system decreases.

Answer to Problem 17.1QP

Spontaneous process can be defined as any process that is occurring without the influence of external energy or influence. Melting of ice in room temperature and rusting of iron at room temperature are examples of spontaneous processes. Spontaneous process is associated with a decrease in free energy and the increase in the entropy of the system.

Non spontaneous process is initiated with the help of an external energy. Flow of heat from low temperature region to high temperature region and diffusion of gas molecules, from region of high pressure to low pressure are the examples of nonspontaneous process. There will be an increase in free energy and decrease of entropy of the system.

Explanation of Solution

To define spontaneous process

Spontaneous process can be defined as any process that is occurring without the influence of external energy.

Spontaneous process is any process which can take place by itself. Spontaneous process is associated with a decrease in free energy and the increase in the entropy of the system. Ice is melted into water at room temperature without the influence of any external energy. Hence it is an example of spontaneous process.

To give examples for spontaneous process

Any process that is initiated by itself is spontaneous.

Examples for spontaneous process

• Melting of ice in room temperature
• Rusting of iron at room temperature

To explain non-spontaneous process

Non spontaneous process is initiated with the help of an external energy.

Non spontaneous process is initiated with the help of an external energy. For example, the flow of heat from low temperature region to high temperature region is not possible without the external influence. It can be considered as a nonspontaneous process. There will be an increase in free energy and decrease of entropy of the system.

To give examples for nonspontaneous process

A process which is initiated by external influence of energy is nonspontaneous.

Examples of non spontaneous process

• Flow of heat from low temperature region to high temperature region.
• Diffusion of gas molecules from region of high pressure to low pressure

Conclusion

Spontaneous process was explained and two examples for spontaneous and non-spontaneous processes were given.