Question

I'm curious about are the details of exothermic nature of 2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O reaction. The explanations I've seen just use a term energy release without specifying what type of energy it is. Assume that we have a perfect mixture of H2 and O2 in a closed vessel and produce a spark, which will initiate the reaction. What is the mechanism, which increases the velocity (temperature) of the molecules participating in the reaction?

Answer 1

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy. In the combustion of hydrogen gas, the energy released is in the form of heat. Applying a spark to a mixture of H₂ and O₂ in a closed vessel initiates the reaction and increases the temperature of the molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy, usually in the form of heat. In the reaction 2H₂ + O₂ -> 2H₂O, which is the combustion of hydrogen gas, the energy released is in the form of heat.

When a spark is applied to a perfect mixture of H₂ and O₂ in a closed vessel, it provides the activation energy needed to initiate the reaction. This leads to an increase in the velocity (temperature) of the molecules participating in the reaction.