Chapter 16, Problem 1E

What is a spontaneous reaction?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The meaning of spontaneous reaction should be determined.

Concept Introduction: The symbolic representation of a chemical reaction in the form of formulae and symbols in which reactants are written on left hand side and the products are written on right hand side is known as chemical equation.

The chemical reaction can be classified as spontaneous and non-spontaneous.

Answer to Problem 1E

Spontaneous reaction is defined as the reaction which occurs without any external source.

Explanation of Solution

The reactions that occurs without any intervention in the given set of conditions is said to be a spontaneous reaction.

When the reactions result in increase in entropy and decrease in enthalpy of the system, thereactions are said to be favorable.

For example, a roaring of bonfire, an exothermic reaction that is energy is released in this reaction and the entropy of the system increases.

Conclusion

The reaction which occurs on its own under the given set of conditions without any external source is known as spontaneous reaction.