Chapter 20, Problem 14TE

To determine

Whether the chemical reaction in a disposable battery is exothermic or endothermic and whether the reaction going on in a rechargeable battery while it is recharging is exothermic or endothermic.

Answer to Problem 14TE

The chemical reaction in a disposable battery is an exothermic reaction and the chemical reaction in the recharging process of the rechargeable battery is an endothermic reaction.

Explanation of Solution

The process of the conversion of reactant species into the product species is called a chemical reaction.

There are two main types of chemical reactions based on the exchange of energy.

The chemical reaction where the energy is absorbed in the system from the external area or the surrounding is the endothermic type of reaction.

The chemical reaction where the energy is released to the surrounding from the area of interest or the system is the exothermic type of reaction.

The disposable battery is a type of battery that releases energy. Hence, the disposable battery has an exothermic type of reaction.

The disposable battery is of no use after once it is used but the rechargeable battery can be used again and again.

The rechargeable battery has two processes involved in it, discharging and recharging reactions. The exothermic reaction occurs during the discharging process and an endothermic reaction occurs in the recharging process because it requires a high input of energy.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the chemical reaction in a disposable battery is an exothermic reaction and the chemical reaction in the recharging process of the rechargeable battery is an endothermic reaction.