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Chemistry / Unit 11   Chem 2061 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Spontaneous Process Defined

Captions available

The idea

A spontaneous process is one that occurs on its own under a given set of conditions, without a continual outside input of energy.

In practice

Ice at room temperature melts on its own; no outside push is needed to start it.

Where people slip

Students often label any exothermic or "natural-seeming" process spontaneous without checking the actual conditions involved.

Your place on the trail

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