Understanding Spontaneous Processes

Mr. Andersen explains spontaneous processes in chemistry, focusing on enthalpy and entropy. He describes how these processes occur without external energy and how they can be identified by changes in enthalpy and entropy. The video also covers the equilibrium constant and its role in determining whether a reaction is spontaneous. Through simulations, Mr. Andersen demonstrates the concepts of spontaneous and non-spontaneous reactions, concluding with a brief introduction to Gibbs free energy.

What is a spontaneous process?

• A process that requires external energy to occur

• A process that occurs without external energy

• A process that decreases entropy

• A process that is always reversible

Which of the following indicates a spontaneous process?

• Decrease in both enthalpy and entropy

• Increase in both enthalpy and entropy

• Decrease in enthalpy and increase in entropy

• Increase in enthalpy and decrease in entropy

What does an equilibrium constant greater than 1 indicate?

• The reaction favors the products

• The reaction is non-spontaneous

• The reaction is at equilibrium

• The reaction favors the reactants

Why is the transformation of graphite to diamond considered non-spontaneous?

• It occurs without external energy

• It decreases entropy

• It requires a large amount of energy and pressure

• It happens quickly

In a spontaneous process, what happens to enthalpy and entropy?

• Both enthalpy and entropy increase

• Enthalpy decreases, entropy increases

• Both enthalpy and entropy decrease

• Enthalpy increases, entropy decreases

What is the role of the equilibrium constant in a chemical reaction?

• It determines the speed of the reaction

• It indicates whether the reaction is exothermic

• It shows the ratio of products to reactants

• It measures the temperature change

In the simulation, what does a K value of 1 indicate?

• The reaction is non-spontaneous

• The reaction is at equilibrium

• The reaction favors the reactants

• The reaction favors the products

What happens to molecules in a vacuum when a barrier is removed?

• They move randomly without preference

• They move to the side with higher pressure

• They move to the side with lower pressure

• They stay in place

What does a K value less than 1 suggest about a reaction?

• The reaction is spontaneous

• The reaction favors the products

• The reaction favors the reactants

• The reaction is at equilibrium

Which of the following is true for a non-spontaneous reaction?

• It increases entropy

• It occurs without external energy

• It has a negative enthalpy change

• It has a positive enthalpy change