Non Spontaneous Process vs Spontaneous Reaction Examples

Study Notes

Spontaneous and Non-Spontaneous Processes

A spontaneous process occurs without the influence of external forces and moves a system toward equilibrium.
The reverse of any spontaneous process is non-spontaneous.
Spontaneity does not imply anything about the speed or rate of a reaction, which is the domain of kinetics.
Spontaneity only tells whether a reaction will happen or not, but not the rate of a process.
Examples of spontaneous processes include the combustion of alcohol and rusting of iron, which occur at different rates.

Characteristics of Spontaneity

Randomness influences spontaneity, often resulting in a more disordered arrangement.
A spontaneous process can occur from an ordered state to a more random arrangement.

Examples of Spontaneous and Non-Spontaneous Processes

Dropping a breakable object, like a beaker, is a spontaneous process, as it will occur naturally without external forces.
The opposite process, a broken beaker reforming into its original condition and defying gravity to lift into the air, is non-spontaneous.
Non-spontaneous processes require external forces or intervention, such as a skilled glassworker to fix a broken beaker and someone to lift it in the air.

Energy Change and Spontaneity

The energy change in a system cannot solely determine whether a chemical reaction will occur spontaneously.

Description

Understand the concept of spontaneous and non-spontaneous processes in chemistry, including their characteristics and how they relate to equilibrium and kinetics. Learn the differences between spontaneous and non-spontaneous reactions and how they impact chemical systems.