Questions: Answer each question using full sentences and show all your work for any calculations. Ensure to use the GRASS method (Given, Required, Analysis, Solution, Statement) for questions involving calculations.
1. Biofuel, any fuel derived from biomass (i.e., plant or algae materials, or animal waste), is considered a renewable energy source. One way of generating liquid biofuel, also known as ethanol, is to ferment starch or sugar found in corn plants.
The balanced chemical equation, in the presence of yeast acting as a catalyst, is as follows:
C6H12O6(aq) → 2 C2H5OH(aq)+2 CO2(g)
The enthalpy change for the reaction is -67 kJ . Is this reaction considered endothermic or exothermic? Explain your reasoning and provide a rationale for what this indicates in terms of heat absorption or emission. [2 marks]
Transcript text: - Answer each question using full sentences and show all your work for any calculations. Ensure to use the GRASS method (Given, Required, Analysis, Solution, Statement) for questions involving calculations.
1. Biofuel, any fuel derived from biomass (i.e., plant or algae materials, or animal waste), is considered a renewable energy source. One way of generating liquid biofuel, also known as ethanol, is to ferment starch or sugar found in corn plants.
The balanced chemical equation, in the presence of yeast acting as a catalyst, is as follows:
\[
\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6(\mathrm{aq})} \square 2 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}_{(\mathrm{aq})}+2 \mathrm{CO}_{2(\mathrm{~g})}
\]
The enthalpy change for the reaction is -67 kJ . Is this reaction considered endothermic or exothermic? Explain your reasoning and provide a rationale for what this indicates in terms of heat absorption or emission. [2 marks]
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understanding the Given Information
The problem provides a balanced chemical equation for the fermentation of glucose (\(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{6}\)) into ethanol (\(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{OH}\)) and carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)). The enthalpy change for this reaction is given as \(-67 \, \text{kJ}\).
Step 2: Identifying the Required Information
We need to determine whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic and explain what this indicates in terms of heat absorption or emission.
Step 3: Analyzing the Enthalpy Change
The enthalpy change (\(\Delta H\)) of a reaction indicates whether heat is absorbed or released:
If \(\Delta H\) is negative, the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat to the surroundings.
If \(\Delta H\) is positive, the reaction is endothermic, meaning it absorbs heat from the surroundings.
In this case, \(\Delta H = -67 \, \text{kJ}\), which is negative.
Step 4: Solution and Explanation
Since the enthalpy change is negative, the reaction is exothermic. This means that during the fermentation process, heat is released into the surroundings.
Final Answer
The reaction is considered exothermic because the enthalpy change is negative (\(-67 \, \text{kJ}\)), indicating that heat is emitted to the surroundings. \(\boxed{\text{Exothermic}}\)