Energy from fuels

Question 1

State the definitions of exothermic and endothermic reactions

Answer 1

Exothermic Reaction
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases heat energy to the surroundings, causing the temperature to increase.

Endothermic Reaction
An endothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from the surroundings, causing the temperature to decrease.

Question 2

State the definition of a combustion reaction

Answer 2

A combustion reaction occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and/or light.

For hydrocarbons and alcohols, combustion produces water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as the primary products.

Question 3

Calculate quantity of heat energy released using the formula

Answer 3

Eh = cm∆T