Chapter 4, Problem 1ACQ

Figure 4.6 Look at each of the processes shown and decide if it is endergonic or exergonic.

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The process shown in the figure is endergonic or exergonic.

Introduction:

The endergonic process is the one which is accompanied by the absorption of energy from the surrounding, while exergonic processes is accompanied by the release of energy into the environment.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Figure (a)

Figure (b)

Figure (c)

Figure (d)

The first figure is of a compost. Decomposition of dead and decaying matter to produce compost or humus is an exergonic process because it is accompanied by the release of heat energy.

The second picture is of a chick coming out from an egg. It is an endergonic process because the process has taken in the energy from the chick.

The third picture is of tea dissolving in water, which is an exergonic process.

The last one is of a ball rolling downwards, in this case, the energy is dissipiated in the environment, which is an exothermic or exergonic process.

Conclusion

Decomposition, dissolving of tea in water and rolling of the ball are exergonic reactions, while the hatching of a chick from an egg is an example of an endergonic reaction.