Final answer:
The equation represents the exothermic chemical reaction of cellular respiration, where glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide, water, and energy, crucial for living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation provided is an example of cellular respiration, which is a chemical reaction that happens in living organisms to convert glucose into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This particular equation is the aerobic respiration of glucose, and it is an exothermic reaction, as indicated by the negative enthalpy change (ΔH°), meaning it releases energy. The value of ΔG°' = -686 kcal/mol implies that the reaction also releases free energy, which is usable by the cell. The reaction can be summarized as:
- Exothermic: The reaction releases energy.
- Thermodynamics: It involves changes in enthalpy and free energy.
- Cellular respiration: It is the process in living organisms that converts glucose to ATP (usable energy), CO2, and H2O.
This reaction is fundamental to the metabolism of food in the body, allowing for the production of ATP, the primary energy carrier in biological systems.