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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is/are true? a) The rusting of iron by oxygen is a non-spontaneous reaction. b) The addition of a catalyst to a reaction increases spontaneity. c) The movement of heat from a cold object to a hot object is a non-spontaneous reaction. d) The diffusion of perfume molecules from one side of a room to the other is a non-spontaneous reaction. e) None of the above.
A
C
B
A,C
C
D
D
B,C
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of spontaneity in chemical reactions. A spontaneous reaction is one that occurs naturally under given conditions without needing external energy. It is often associated with a negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG < 0).
Step 2: Analyze statement (a): The rusting of iron by oxygen is a common example of a spontaneous reaction. It occurs naturally when iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture, leading to the formation of iron oxide (rust). Therefore, statement (a) is false.
Step 3: Analyze statement (b): A catalyst speeds up the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy but does not affect the spontaneity of the reaction. Spontaneity is determined by thermodynamic factors, not by the presence of a catalyst. Therefore, statement (b) is false.
Step 4: Analyze statement (c): The movement of heat from a cold object to a hot object is non-spontaneous because it requires external work or energy input, as it goes against the natural direction of heat flow (from hot to cold). Therefore, statement (c) is true.
Step 5: Analyze statement (d): The diffusion of perfume molecules from one side of a room to the other is a spontaneous process. It occurs naturally due to the random motion of molecules, leading to an even distribution. Therefore, statement (d) is false.