Spontaneous Process
Definition
A spontaneous process is one that occurs naturally under certain conditions without any external intervention.
Analogy
Imagine leaving an ice cube out on a hot day - it melts into water without any help from us; this melting process is spontaneous.
Related terms
Endothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings. These reactions may not be spontaneous at low temperatures but can become so at high temperatures.
Exothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that releases heat into its surroundings. These reactions are often spontaneous because they lower the system's overall energy state.
Equilibrium Constant (K): The ratio of concentrations of products over reactants when a reaction has reached equilibrium. For spontaneous processes, K > 1.
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