What is the relationship between freedom of motion and the spontaneity of a reaction?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the link between freedom of motion in a system and how it relates to the spontaneity of a chemical reaction. This involves concepts from thermodynamics and chemistry, especially focusing on the factors that determine whether a reaction can occur spontaneously.
Answer
Increased molecular freedom of motion often drives spontaneity.
An increase in the freedom of motion of molecules often leads to a spontaneous reaction. Spontaneous reactions typically involve an increase in entropy, which is associated with greater molecular motion.
Answer for screen readers
An increase in the freedom of motion of molecules often leads to a spontaneous reaction. Spontaneous reactions typically involve an increase in entropy, which is associated with greater molecular motion.
More Information
Molecular motion is linked to entropy, a key factor in determining spontaneity. Processes that increase the system's entropy, such as gases expanding, tend to be spontaneous because they represent a higher number of possible positions and energy states for the molecules involved.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse spontaneity with speed or energy change alone. Spontaneity is determined by the free energy change, which includes both entropy and enthalpy considerations.
Sources
- Thermochemistry II Spontaneity, Entropy and Gibbs Energy - ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub
- 13.2: Entropy and Spontaneity - A Molecular Statistical Interpretation - chem.libretexts.org
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
