Thermodynamic Stability and Spontaneity

Thermodynamic Stability and Spontaneity

• Thermodynamic stability related to the energy levels of reactants and products.

Energy Diagram Overview

• Y-axis: Energy of the system.

• X-axis: Progression of the reaction from reactants to products.

Spontaneous Reactions

• Occur when:

  • Energy of reactants > Energy of products.

  • Free energy change is negative.

  • Energy is released (often as heat or light).

• Characterized as a reaction going downhill in energy.

Non-Spontaneous Reactions

• Occur when:

  • Energy of reactants < Energy of products.

  • Free energy change is positive.

  • Energy must be added continuously either from the environment or in other forms to maintain the reaction.