Chapter 10, Problem 13A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The products of the combustion of methane possess total potential energy than do the reactants needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In an exothermic reaction energy discharges from the system while in endothermic reaction consumed energy from the surrounding. Chemical energy is the type of potential energy that stores energy in chemical bonds. Chemical energy is consumed when those bonds are created, and chemical energy is discharge when they split.

Answer to Problem 13A

In exothermic reaction the reactants have lower potential energy. As energy flows out from system to surrounding.

Explanation of Solution

Since, the total energy is conserved and that energy flows from the system into surrounding in exothermic reaction. In the combustion of methane, the burned methane lost potential energy. In this case potential energy is stored in the bonds of the reactant.

Conclusion

During the exothermic reaction, the energy that the surrounding gains must be equal to the energy that the system has lost.