Chapter U5.109, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Amount of energy transferred during oxidation of metals needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Oxidation of metal is exothermic. So, oxidation reactions are a potential source of energy for our daily lives. To explore the usefulness of metal oxidation as an energy source, we must examine and compare the amount of thermal energy transferred during these reactions.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

Oxidation of metal is exothermic therefore it is used to generate power.

Explanation of Solution

The formation of metal oxides is usually an exothermic reaction. This means oxidation reactions may be valuable sources of energy. The heat of production of a compound is the thermal energy change associated with the formation of one mole of that compound from its constituent elements. The decomposition of metal oxides into pure metals and oxygen is the reverse of an oxidation reaction. These reactions are generally endothermic. It requires an input of energy to extract a metal from a metal compound.

Conclusion

Metals that are easily oxidized (with high heats of formation) are more difficult to extract from their metal compounds than metals that are less easily oxidized (with low heats of formation).