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Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition
Brown15th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780137542970Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.19 - Chemical ThermodynamicsProblem 11a
Chapter 19, Problem 11a

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

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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.
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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.
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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 (Ξ”G) 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) β‡Œ 2 AB(𝑔), atoms of A shown in red in the diagram and atoms of B shown in blue. (a) If 𝐾𝑐 = 1, which box represents the system at equilibrium?

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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 βˆ’10 Β°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

Textbook Question

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

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