The normal freezing point of n-octane (C₈H₁₈) is -57 °C. (b) In what temperature range is the freezing of n-octane a spontaneous process?

Key Concepts

Freezing Point

The freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which it transitions from a liquid to a solid state. For n-octane, this point is -57 °C, meaning that at temperatures below this value, n-octane will solidify. Understanding the freezing point is crucial for determining the conditions under which a substance will freeze spontaneously.

Spontaneity of Processes

A spontaneous process is one that occurs without needing to be driven by an external force. In thermodynamics, spontaneity is often determined by changes in enthalpy and entropy. For freezing to be spontaneous, the system must favor lower energy states, which typically occurs at temperatures below the freezing point of the substance.

Thermodynamic Stability

Thermodynamic stability refers to the tendency of a system to remain in a particular state under given conditions. For n-octane, below its freezing point, the solid state is more stable than the liquid state. This stability is influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure, which dictate whether the freezing process will occur spontaneously.