Several processes are given in the table and labeled as endo- thermic or exothermic and given a sign for ∆H°. Which process is labeled with the correct sign of ∆H° and correct classification as endothermic or exothermic? (LO 9.8) Process (c) Water freezes into ice in the freezer.
Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 6b
Several processes are given in the table and labeled as endo- thermic or exothermic and given a sign for ∆H°. Which process is labeled with the correct sign of ∆H° and correct classification as endothermic or exothermic? (LO 9.8) Process (b) Methane, the main component of natural gas, is burned to produce a flame on a stovetop.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of process: Burning methane is a combustion reaction.
Recall that combustion reactions are typically exothermic, meaning they release heat.
Understand that for exothermic reactions, the change in enthalpy (\( \Delta H^\circ \)) is negative because energy is released to the surroundings.
Consider the context: Methane combustion produces heat and light, consistent with an exothermic process.
Conclude that the correct classification for the process of burning methane is exothermic with a negative \( \Delta H^\circ \).

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4mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
Endothermic reactions absorb heat from their surroundings, resulting in a positive change in enthalpy (∆H° > 0). In contrast, exothermic reactions release heat, leading to a negative change in enthalpy (∆H° < 0). Understanding these classifications is crucial for determining the energy changes associated with chemical processes.
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Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
Enthalpy Change (∆H°)
Enthalpy change (∆H°) is a measure of the heat content of a system at constant pressure. It indicates whether a reaction is endothermic or exothermic based on the heat absorbed or released during the process. A negative ∆H° signifies an exothermic reaction, while a positive ∆H° indicates an endothermic reaction.
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Enthalpy of Formation
Combustion of Methane
The combustion of methane (CH₄) is an exothermic reaction where methane reacts with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), releasing energy in the form of heat and light. This process is commonly used in heating and cooking, exemplifying an exothermic reaction with a negative ∆H°.
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Combustion Apparatus
Related Practice
Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Several processes are given in the table and labeled as endo- thermic or exothermic and given a sign for ∆H°. Which process is labeled with the correct sign of ∆H° and correct classification as endothermic or exothermic? (LO 9.8) Process (d) Rubbing alcohol evaporates from your skin.
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Textbook Question
For which of the following reactions are ΔE and ΔH equal?
(a) CO2(g) + H2O(l) → H2CO
(b) 2 NaHCO3 (s) → Na2CO3(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)
(c) 2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(g)
(d) CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(g)
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Textbook Question
How much heat is required to raise a 50.0 g piece of iron from 25 °C to its melting point of 1538 °C? The specific heat capacity for iron is 0.451 J/g•°C.
(a) 34.1 kJ
(b) 168 kJ
(c) 12.1 kJ
(d) 6.78 kJ
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Textbook Question
A room-temperature balloon filled with air is placed in the freezer and the balloon contracts. What is the sign of q and w for the air inside the balloon? (LO 9.4)
(a) q = +, w = - (b) q = +, w = + (c) q = -, w = - (d) q = -, w = +
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Textbook Question
Several processes are given in the table and labeled as endo- thermic or exothermic and given a sign for ∆H°. Which process is labeled with the correct sign of ∆H° and correct classification as endothermic or exothermic? (LO 9.8) Process (a) Ammonium nitrate dissolves in water, and the temperature of the solution decreases.
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