16.1 Spontaneity
Processes that proceed on their own versus those that must be driven, and the dispersal of matter and energy that accompanies unforced change.
3 exercises
16.1 Exercise 1
What is a spontaneous reaction?
16.1 Exercise 3
Indicate whether the following processes are spontaneous or nonspontaneous.
(a) Liquid water freezing at a temperature below its freezing point
(b) Liquid water freezing at a temperature above its freezing point
(c) The combustion of gasoline
(d) A ball thrown into the air
(e) A raindrop falling to the ground
(f) Iron rusting in a moist atmosphere
16.1 Exercise 5
Many plastic materials are organic polymers that contain carbon and hydrogen. The oxidation of these plastics in air to form carbon dioxide and water is a spontaneous process; however, plastic materials tend to persist in the environment. Explain.
Adapted from General Chemistry © 2019 Rice University. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Sources: Chemistry 2e, Chemistry: Atoms First 2e. Imported at revision 32c7196.