Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain.
Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because heat is released along with the formation of products. We need energy to stay alive, which we get from the food we eat. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into simpler substances like glucose.
This glucose combines with oxygen in the cells of our body to provide energy. The reaction is represented as: C₆H₁₂O₆(aq) + 6O₂(aq) → 6CO₂(aq) + 6H₂O(l) + energy Since energy is evolved during this process, respiration is called an exothermic reaction.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the textbook section explaining exothermic reactions and respiration. It defines exothermic reactions as those where heat is released, applies this definition to the biological process of respiration, and includes the specific chemical equation provided in the text (Equation 1.18) to show the release of energy.