Is Oxyhydrogen a spontaneous reaction at very high temperatures?

In summary, the formula for a spontaneous reaction is \DeltaH-T\DeltaS < 0, which means that if the temperature is high enough, the reaction will not be spontaneous. This is because the negative T multiplied with the negative change in entropy will be more positive than the enthalpy change. This is also seen in the efficiency of performing electrolysis of water at high temperatures compared to room temperature. Similarly, the burning of magnesium, although exothermic, will not be spontaneous if the temperature is high enough due to its negative change in entropy.
  • #1
ineedaquickie
3
0
Hi, this may seem like a noob question for you geeks out there, but I can't wrap my head around this.
The formula for a spontaneous reaction is [itex]\Delta[/itex]H-T[itex]\Delta[/itex]S < 0
Basically, since the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen gas has a negative change in enthalpy it must mean that if the temperature in Kelvin is big enough then the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen gas will not be spontaneous.

Because the negative T multiplied with the negative change in entropy will be more positive than the enthalpy change and it won't be a spontaneous process? right?
 
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  • #3
Ygggdrasil said:
Yes, that is correct. This is one reason why performing electrolysis of water at high temperatures is more efficient than at room temperature (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-temperature_electrolysis).

Ill read up on this, thanks.
 
  • #4
I'm sorry to bring this up, but does the same count for the burning of magnesium. Burning of magnesium is exothermic, but the change in entropy is negative as well so if the temp is big enough, the reaction won't be spontaneous. Correct?
 
  • #5
Yes, that's correct.
 

1. What is Oxyhydrogen?

Oxyhydrogen, also known as Brown's gas, is a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases in a 2:1 ratio. It is highly flammable and can be produced through the process of electrolysis.

2. Can Oxyhydrogen spontaneously react at very high temperatures?

Yes, Oxyhydrogen can undergo a spontaneous reaction at very high temperatures. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and can occur without the need for an external ignition source.

3. What happens during the spontaneous reaction of Oxyhydrogen at high temperatures?

When Oxyhydrogen undergoes a spontaneous reaction at high temperatures, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules break apart and recombine to form water vapor. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat.

4. What are some potential applications of Oxyhydrogen's spontaneous reaction at high temperatures?

The spontaneous reaction of Oxyhydrogen at high temperatures has a variety of potential applications, including welding, cutting, and brazing in industrial settings. It can also be used in rocket propulsion and as a source of heat for industrial processes.

5. Is Oxyhydrogen's spontaneous reaction at high temperatures safe?

While Oxyhydrogen's spontaneous reaction at high temperatures can be dangerous if not handled properly, it is generally considered safe when proper safety measures are followed. This includes proper ventilation, handling, and storage of the gas.

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