Endothermic Reaction Chemistry Example 1
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 1
easyPhotosynthesis absorbs energy: . Why is this endothermic?
Solution
- 1 In an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings because products have higher potential energy than reactants.
- 2 For photosynthesis, the reactants are and ; the product is glucose, which stores more chemical potential energy in its bonds.
- 3 Since the system absorbs energy (sunlight) rather than releasing it, the enthalpy change is positive: .
Answer
Endothermic reactions absorb energy from the surroundings. Plants use sunlight as the energy input for photosynthesis, storing that energy in the bonds of glucose.
About Endothermic Reaction
A chemical reaction that absorbs energy (usually as heat) from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in surrounding temperature and a positive enthalpy change ().
Learn more about Endothermic Reaction →More Endothermic Reaction Examples
Example 2 medium
An instant cold pack contains ammonium nitrate and water. When the inner bag is broken, the temperat
Example 3 mediumPhotosynthesis absorbs 2803 kJ per mole of glucose. Is it endothermic or exothermic? What is the sig
Example 4 easyCooking an egg requires continuous heat input. Is this an endothermic or exothermic process?
Example 5 easyAn instant cold pack becomes cold when activated. Is the process inside the pack exothermic or endot