Bond Burst

Tag: non-spontaneous process

  • Which of the following processes occur spontaneously, and which occur non-spontaneously?

    Which of the following processes occur spontaneously, and which occur non-spontaneously?

    Which of the following processes occur spontaneously, and which occur non-spontaneously?

    1. Dissolving table salt (NaCl) in a steaming bowl of soup
    2. Electric current flowing from lower potential to higher potential
    3. Climbing Mount Everest
    4. Releasing the fragrance of perfume by simply removing the cap
    5. Isolating helium and neon from a mixture of gases

    Interpretation

    Here, we aim to identify which processes happen spontaneously and which do not. The key to understanding this lies in the fact that spontaneous processes occur naturally, without any external energy, while non-spontaneous processes need additional energy or effort to take place. By following this principle, we should be able to identify the spontaneous and non-spontaneous nature of the following processes.

    a. Dissolving table salt (NaCl) in a steaming bowl of soup

    When we add table salt (NaCl) to a steaming bowl of soup, the hot soup speeds up the dissolving of salt and does not require any external energy. Thus, this process is spontaneous as it does not require any external energy or effort and occurs naturally.

    b. Electric current flowing from lower potential to higher potential

    We know that electric current naturally flows from higher potential to lower potential. To make it flow in the reverse direction i.e., from lower potential to higher potential, an external energy source such as a power supply or battery is required. Since this process doesn’t happen by itself and needs an external energy source, it is considered a non-spontaneous process.

    c. Climbing Mount Everest

    Climbing Mount Everest requires preparation, extra effort, and energy, it does not happen naturally like rolling down a hill. Therefore, this is a non-spontaneous process.

    d. Releasing the fragrance of perfume by simply removing the cap

    As we open a perfume bottle, the fragrance naturally spreads into the surrounding air. We don’t need to provide any extra energy to make this happen. Therefore, this is a spontaneous process.

    e. Isolating helium and neon from a mixture of gases

    We require special methods like fractional distillation and specialized tools to separate helium and neon from a gaseous mixture. Thus, this is a non-spontaneous process as it does not occur naturally and requires external energy.

  • What is meant by a spontaneous process? Provide four examples of spontaneous and non-spontaneous process.

    What is meant by a spontaneous process? Provide four examples of spontaneous and non-spontaneous process.

    A spontaneous process is one that occurs naturally and without the need for external intervention, under appropriate conditions. In other words, we can say it happens on its own under specific circumstances.

    While a nonspontaneous process does not occur naturally and requires some external influence or energy to take place.

    Four examples of both processes are:

    Spontaneous processes:

    • Water flowing downhill: When water flows from a higher place to a lower place, like a river running downhill, it naturally happens due to gravity, without needing extra energy.
    • Ice melting at room temperature: Ice will naturally melt into water above 0°C. It doesn’t need anything extra to make this happen.
    • A rock rolling down a hill: If a rock is placed at the hilltop, it will naturally roll down due to gravity, without needing any external force to make it move.
    • Rusting of iron: When iron is exposed to air and moisture, it will slowly rust (form iron oxide) over time. This is a spontaneous process that occurs naturally.
    Water flowing downhill - Spontaneous Process
    Water flowing downhill – Spontaneous Process

    Non-spontaneous processes:

    • Water flowing uphill: For water to flow uphill, we need to pump it or apply energy (like in a fountain). Water doesn’t flow uphill by itself.
    • Freezing of water at room temperature: Water will only freeze into ice if we put that below 0°C. At room temperature, this does not happen naturally, and energy must be removed from the water to make it freeze.
    • Unmixing of a solution: If we mix sugar in water, the sugar dissolves. For the sugar to separate back out on its own, energy would need to be added, such as by evaporating the water.
    • Charging a battery: A battery cannot charge itself. We need to connect it to an external power source to add energy and recharge it.