What does the term spontaneous mean in chemical reactions?

A chemical reaction is spontaneous if it occurs without the application of energy. Spontaneity is difficult to describe in the lab because it is different from the way a reaction takes place based on the properties of the reactants. For example, a reaction between baking soda and vinegar will occur slowly in a closed container because the ingredients have the chemical potential energy to undergo a chemical reaction. This reaction is spontaneous when the product of the reaction (sodium carbonate and hydrogen gas) forms a solution that is

What does the term spontaneous mean in chemistry?

spontaneous is a term used to describe chemical reactions that occur without the action of an outside agent. In other words, a reaction is spontaneous when it occurs without the help of energy or catalysis. These types of reactions are important because they often occur in nature, such as the natural degradation and reproduction of living things.

What does the term spontaneous mean in organic chemistry?

In organic reactions, spontaneous means the reaction rate doesn’t need an energy input. A reaction is spontaneous when the products are more stable than the reactants (or the opposite reaction).

What does the term spontaneous mean in biology?

In the context of life processes, spontaneous refers to the ability of a chemical reaction to take place without an external energy source. Spontaneous reaction does not only refer to chemical reactions carried out within living organisms. The term can also be used for chemical reactions occurring in the environment.

What does the term spontaneous mean in organic synthesis?

When organic chemists say something is spontaneous, it means that the reaction proceeds without the input of energy. As a result, the reaction does not need to be driven forward by heat or other energy sources. This is in contrast to a reaction that is driven by a catalyst (e.g., an enzyme), which is also referred to as an enzymatic reaction.