Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics

Problem 11a

Chapter 19, Problem 11a

Which of the following processes are spontaneous and which are nonspontaneous: (a) the ripening of a banana

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of spontaneity: A spontaneous process is one that occurs naturally without needing external energy input, while a nonspontaneous process requires energy to proceed.

Consider the ripening of a banana: This is a natural process where the banana changes color, texture, and flavor over time.

Identify the factors affecting spontaneity: Temperature, energy changes, and entropy are key factors. In biological processes like ripening, enzymes and environmental conditions play a significant role.

Analyze the ripening process: It involves complex biochemical reactions that are driven by the banana's internal chemistry and external conditions, such as temperature and ethylene gas exposure.

Conclude based on observations: Since bananas ripen naturally over time without external energy input, the process is considered spontaneous.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Spontaneity in Chemical Processes

Spontaneity refers to the natural tendency of a process to occur without external intervention. A spontaneous process is one that can proceed in a given direction under specified conditions, often associated with a decrease in free energy. Understanding spontaneity helps in predicting whether a reaction or physical change will happen on its own.

Entropy

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In thermodynamics, processes that increase the total entropy of the universe are generally spontaneous. The ripening of a banana involves biochemical changes that increase disorder, contributing to the overall increase in entropy, which is a key factor in determining spontaneity.

Gibbs Free Energy

Gibbs Free Energy (G) is a thermodynamic potential that helps predict the spontaneity of a process at constant temperature and pressure. A process is spontaneous if the change in Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is negative. For the ripening of a banana, the decrease in Gibbs Free Energy indicates that the process is favorable and will occur spontaneously.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Consider a reaction A₂(𝑔) + B₂(𝑔) ⇌ 2 AB(𝑔), atoms of A shown in red in the diagram and atoms of B shown in blue. (a) If 𝐾_𝑐 = 1, which box represents the system at equilibrium?

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Textbook Question

Consider a reaction A₂(𝑔) + B₂(𝑔) ⇌ 2 AB(𝑔), atoms of A shown in red in the diagram and atoms of B shown in blue. (b) If 𝐾_𝑐= 1, which box represents the system at 𝑄 < 𝐾_𝑐?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following processes are spontaneous and which are nonspontaneous: (d) lightning

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Textbook Question

Which of the following processes are spontaneous and which are nonspontaneous: (e) formation of CH₄ and O₂ molecules from CO₂ and H₂O at room temperature and 1 atm of pressure?

Textbook Question

Which of the following processes are spontaneous?

a. the melting of ice cubes at −10 °C and 1 atm pressure

b. separating a mixture of N₂ and O₂ into two separate samples, one that is pure N₂ and one that is pure O₂

c. alignment of iron filings in a magnetic field

d. the reaction of hydrogen gas with oxygen gas to form water vapor at room temperature

e. the dissolution of HCl(g) in water to form concentrated hydrochloric acid