Select the correct answer.

What can you conclude about these two reactions based on the chemical equations?

Reaction A: [tex]6 \, CO_2(a) + 6 \, H_2O \left(h+ \right) + \text{sunlight} \rightarrow C_8H_{22}O_6(aq) + 6 \, O_2(a)[/tex]

Reaction B: [tex]2 \, H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2 \, H_2O(g) + \text{energy}[/tex]

A. Reactions A and B are both exothermic.

B. Reaction A is endothermic, and reaction B is exothermic.

C. Reactions A and B are both endothermic.

D. Reaction A is exothermic, and reaction B is endothermic.



Answer :

To determine whether the reactions are endothermic or exothermic, we need to examine the energy dynamics involved in each reaction. Here is the detailed step-by-step analysis:

1. Understand the Terminology:
- An endothermic reaction absorbs energy from its surroundings, typically in the form of heat. This means the reaction requires an input of energy to proceed.
- An exothermic reaction releases energy to its surroundings, usually as heat or light. This means the reaction produces energy.

2. Analyzing Reaction A:
- This reaction is: [tex]\( 6 CO_2( a ) + 6 H_2O \left(h+\right.\text{sunlight} + C_6H_{12}O_6( aq ) + 6 O_2(a) \)[/tex]
- The key component here is sunlight. Sunlight provides the energy required to drive this reaction, which suggests that the reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings. Therefore, Reaction A is endothermic.

3. Analyzing Reaction B:
- This reaction is: [tex]\( 2 H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2 H_2O ( g ) + \text{ energy} \)[/tex]
- Here, the reaction equation explicitly states that energy is released as a product of the reaction. This indicates that energy is being emitted to the surroundings. Therefore, Reaction B is exothermic.

Based on this analysis, we can conclude:

- Reaction A is endothermic because it requires an input of energy (sunlight).
- Reaction B is exothermic because it releases energy.

Thus, the correct answer is:

B. Reaction A is endothermic, and reaction B is exothermic.