Question

What type of reaction is represented in the following example?

2C2H4O(g) + 5O2 (g) 4CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l) ΔH = -2385 kJ

exothermic
endothermic

Answer 1

Explanation:

A chemical reaction in which heat energy is absorbed by the reactant molecules is known as an endothermic reaction.  

For example, $A + B + Heat \rightarrow AB$

The value of $\Delta H$ = +ve for endothermic reaction.

Whereas a chemical reaction in which heat energy is released by the reactant molecules is known as an exothermic reaction.  

For example, $C + D \rightarrow CD + Heat$ is an exothermic reaction.

The value of $\Delta H$ = -ve for exothermic reaction.

Also, the given reaction, $2C_{2}H_{4}O(g) + 5O_{2}(g) \rightarrow 4CO_{2}(g) + 4H2O(l)$          $\Delta H = -2385 kJ$

It is also an exothermic reaction because heat is releasing as value of $\Delta H$ is negative.

Thus, we can conclude that the given reaction is exothermic in nature.