Conservation of Energy and Matter

Question 1

Where is chemical energy stored?

Answer 1

Chemical bonds

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds between atoms in molecules. It’s released when bonds are broken and absorbed when bonds are formed, driving chemical reactions and many biological processes.

Question 2

What’s conserved in a closed chemical reaction?

Answer 2

Mass

The law of conservation of mass states that in a closed system, the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products. This principle is fundamental to balancing chemical equations and understanding stoichiometry.

Question 3

What are the two types of mechanical energy?

Answer 3

Kinetic energy and Potential energy

Kinetic energy is due to motion, potential energy is due to position or condition.

Question 4

What type of reaction releases heat?

Answer 4

Exothermic

Exothermic reactions release heat to their surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase. Examples include combustion, neutralization reactions, and many metabolic processes in living organisms.

Question 5

Describe an energy transformation in a solar panel

Answer 5

Solar energy (light) to Electrical energy

This process is called the photovoltaic effect.