101k views
3 votes
A Bunsen burner flame is a combustion reaction whose heat energy can be used to ignite magnesium. Which of the following laws of thermodynamics is related to this process?

A) Zeroth Law
B) First Law
C) Second Law
D) Third Law

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transform from one form to another, is related to the heat energy produced by a Bunsen burner to ignite magnesium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The heat energy used to ignite magnesium with a Bunsen burner is an example of an exothermic chemical reaction, where heat is released. The thermodynamic law that is related to this process is the First Law of Thermodynamics. This law covers the conservation of energy, stating that the total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant, though it may change forms, such as chemical energy to thermal energy.

During the combustion of methane in a Bunsen burner, the chemical energy stored in methane is transformed into heat (thermal energy) and light, demonstrating the conversion of energy from one form to another while adhering to the First Law of Thermodynamics. Simply put, energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can change forms - in this case from chemical potential energy to the heat energy that ignites the magnesium.

User Stephen Patten
by
8.4k points