Which of the following processes are spontaneous? (Select all that apply.)

a. average car prices increasing
b. a soft-boiled egg becoming raw
c. a satellite falling to Earth
d. water decomposing to H2 and O2 at 298 K and 1 atm

I thought it would c and maybe d

You know it can't be d. When is the last time you saw H2O decompose to H2 and O2 while you were watching. You must electrolyze H2O to make it do that which means you are adding energy to make it decompose so it isn't spontaneous.

I might think increasing car prices are spontaneous since they seem to do that on their own although it may take some work on the part of the Big 3 car manufactures to write up those new price sheets.

To determine which of the processes are spontaneous, we need to understand the concept of spontaneity. Spontaneity refers to a process that occurs without any external influence or intervention, driven solely by the system itself.

The spontaneity of a process can be determined by examining the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for the system. If ΔG is negative, the process is spontaneous, whereas if ΔG is positive, the process is non-spontaneous. In some cases, if the ΔG is zero, it indicates that the system is in equilibrium.

Now, let's analyze each process and determine its spontaneity:

a. Average car prices increasing:
The increase in average car prices is not a spontaneous process. As demand increases or supply decreases, prices tend to increase. Since this process requires external interference (such as changes in market conditions or regulations), it cannot occur spontaneously.

b. A soft-boiled egg becoming raw:
This process is not spontaneous. The transformation of a cooked egg into a raw one would require energy input, such as reheating or cooking. Therefore, it is not a spontaneous process.

c. A satellite falling to Earth:
This process is spontaneous. When a satellite falls towards the Earth, it occurs due to the force of gravity without any external intervention. Gravity acts as the driving force, causing the satellite to move towards the Earth spontaneously.

d. Water decomposing to H2 and O2:
At 298 K and 1 atm, water does not spontaneously decompose into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This requires energy input to break the bonds in water molecules and overcome the equilibrium barrier. Hence, this process is non-spontaneous at these conditions.

Therefore, the correct answers are: c. a satellite falling to Earth (spontaneous) and d. water decomposing to H2 and O2 at 298 K and 1 atm (non-spontaneous).

To determine which of the given processes are spontaneous, we need to consider the principles of thermodynamics. In particular, a spontaneous process is one that occurs without the need for external intervention.

a. Average car prices increasing: This process is not spontaneous. It is influenced by various economic factors such as supply and demand, and requires external intervention or market forces to drive the price increase.

b. A soft-boiled egg becoming raw: This process is also not spontaneous. It would require an external heat source or intervention to cook the egg again.

c. A satellite falling to Earth: This process is indeed spontaneous. Gravity acts as the driving force, pulling the satellite towards the Earth without the need for external intervention.

d. Water decomposing to H2 and O2 at 298 K and 1 atm: This process is spontaneous. It is also known as water electrolysis and can occur at high temperatures or in the presence of certain catalysts. However, even at room temperature and pressure, this decomposition can occur over time, although at a significantly slower rate.

Therefore, the correct answers are:

- c. A satellite falling to Earth
- d. Water decomposing to H2 and O2 at 298 K and 1 atm