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Non-spontaneous (unfavorable) reactions are those in which what happens?

User RaphC
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

A nonspontaneous reaction is one that does not favor the formation of products at the given conditions. This can be due to the reaction being endothermic, accompanied by a decrease in entropy, or both. The speed at which a reaction occurs does not determine if it's spontaneous or nonspontaneous.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nonspontaneous reaction is a reaction that does not favor the formation of products at the given set of conditions. In order for a reaction to be nonspontaneous, one or both of the driving forces must favor the reactants over the products.

In other words, the reaction is endothermic, is accompanied by a decrease in entropy, or both.

For example, the combustion of a piece of paper is a spontaneous reaction because it releases energy and moves to a more stable state.

On the other hand, the reverse reaction of converting the combustion products back into paper would be a nonspontaneous reaction because it would require energy input to occur.

It's important to note that the speed at which a reaction occurs does not determine if it is spontaneous or nonspontaneous. A reaction can be spontaneous even if it happens slowly.

User MPawlak
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4 votes

Final answer:

A nonspontaneous reaction does not favor the formation of products. It is endothermic, accompanied by a decrease in entropy, or both.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nonspontaneous reaction is a reaction that does not favor the formation of products at the given set of conditions. In order for a reaction to be nonspontaneous, one or both of the driving forces must favor the reactants over the products. In other words, the reaction is endothermic, is accompanied by a decrease in entropy, or both.

For example, combustion reactions, like a bonfire, are spontaneous reactions because they release energy as heat and increase the entropy of the system. On the other hand, the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases to form nitrogen monoxide requires energy input and leads to a decrease in entropy, making it a nonspontaneous reaction.

User Alongkorn
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