Question

The wood in a match is made of cellulose, a polymer of glucose molecules. when you light the match heat and light are given off, indicating that a(n) ________ reaction is occurring.

Answer 1

The wood in a matchstick is made of cellulose, a polymer of glucose molecules. When you light the matchstick, heat and light are given off, indicating that an exothermic reaction is occurring.

There are two types of reactions:

1. Exothermic reactions: In these reactions, the reactants combine to form product and heat is liberated. Example, burning of fuel.

2.Endothermic reactions: In these reactions, the reactants combine to form product and heat gets absorbed from the surroundings. Example, photosynthesis in plants where the energy of the Sun gets absorbed.

Answer 2

The given blank can be filled with exergonic reaction.

An exergonic reaction demonstrates a reaction where energy is discharged. As the reactants lose energy, the Gibbs free energy is negative under constant pressure and temperature.

An exergonic reaction, as mentioned in the given case and another process like cellular respiration refers to a reaction, which loses energy during the process of the reaction. An exergonic process is one in which there is a positive flow of energy taking place from the system to the surrounding.