𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

A spontaneous process is a process that occurs without continuous external intervention once initiated. It proceeds on its own under a given set of conditions, moving a system towards a state of greater stability or disorder.

Properties of spontaneous processes: • They proceed in a definite direction. • They lead to an increase in the total entropy of the universe ($\Delta S_{universe} > 0$). • They are irreversible. • They are often exothermic, but can also be endothermic if the increase in entropy is large enough. • They are characterized by a negative change in Gibbs free energy ($\Delta G < 0$) at constant temperature and pressure.