Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

19. Chemical Thermodynamics

Spontaneous vs Nonspontaneous Reactions

General Chemistry

19. Chemical Thermodynamics

Spontaneous vs Nonspontaneous Reactions

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Multiple Choice

We do not observe the diamond converting to graphite under normal conditions. Which of the following is the correct explanation?

The reaction is not spontaneous at all.

The reaction is nonspontaneous due to unfavorable entropy change.

The reaction is spontaneous, but the mechanism of the reaction is extremely complex.

The reaction is spontaneous, but the activation energy is extremely high.

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Verified step by step guidance

Begin by understanding the concept of spontaneity in chemical reactions. A spontaneous reaction is one that occurs naturally under given conditions without needing external energy input. However, spontaneity does not imply that the reaction will occur quickly or at all observable rates.

Consider the thermodynamic factors that influence spontaneity: Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS). A reaction is spontaneous if ΔG is negative, which can occur even if the reaction is slow due to high activation energy.

Examine the specific case of diamond converting to graphite. Thermodynamically, this conversion is spontaneous because graphite is more stable than diamond, meaning ΔG for the conversion is negative.

Understand the role of activation energy in chemical reactions. Activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed. Even if a reaction is thermodynamically favorable, a high activation energy can prevent it from occurring at a noticeable rate.

Conclude that the correct explanation for why we do not observe diamond converting to graphite under normal conditions is due to the extremely high activation energy required for the reaction, despite it being thermodynamically spontaneous.