Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain.
Answer:
Energy is required to support life. The energy in our body is obtained from the food we eat. During digestion, large molecules of food are broken down into simpler substances such as glucose. Glucose then combines with oxygen in the cells and provides energy. The special name for this combustion reaction is respiration. Since energy is released during the whole process, it is considered an exothermic process.
Chemical Equation for Respiration:
C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 (oxygen) → 6 CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6 H2O (water) + Energy
Substances Involved:
- Glucose (C6H12O6)
- Oxygen (O2)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Water (H2O)