List 3 possible energy sources that could assist in starting a non-spontaneous reaction.
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
A spontaneous reaction happens without external help no matter how long it takes. Adding a catalyst will speed up the process, but a catalyst isn't really external help. For example, pure hydrogen gas mixed with oxygen gas (at room temperature) will eventually make water. However, adding finely powdered palladium catalyst will make it happen fast enough to explode.
A non spontaneous reaction needs an external energy to pump the reaction this direction. For example, without an external energy source, water will remain water forever. Under the right conditions, adding electricity (direct current) will make hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
Another example of a non spontaneous reaction is photosynthesis. With a steady source of sunshine on chloroplasts, water will release oxygen, allowing the hydrogen atoms to combine with carbon dioxide to make any number of carbohydrates.
Most other non spontaneous reactions are driven by spontaneous chemical reactions to make the desired elements and compounds. E.g. Heating and reacting Carbon in the form of coke (along with a well mixed chemical stew) to make iron metal (and steel) from iron oxides.