2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
The chemist is standing inside a room with oxygen in the air and has a balloon filled with hydrogen. The chemist holds a small flame up to the hydrogen balloon. When the balloon pops, the hydrogen explodes in a ball of fire.
explain which part of the reaction is higher in energy
1 answer
The higher energy part of the reaction is the formation of the H-H bonds in the hydrogen molecule (2H2). Breaking these bonds requires an input of energy, while forming them releases energy. When the chemist ignites the balloon, the heat of the flame provides the energy needed to break the H-H bonds in the hydrogen molecules. Once the hydrogen molecules are broken apart, the hydrogen atoms can react with oxygen (O2) to form water (H2O), releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light.
1 answer