Question

Use the equation for the burning of wood to answer the question.
C
H
O
+ 6O
→ 6CO
+ 5H
O + heat
Which line for wood burning would be longer on the energy graph?
(1 point)
6
10
5
2
2
2
the vertical line indicating bonds breaking
the horizontal line indicating reactants
the vertical line indicating bonds forming
the horizontal line indicating the activated complex

Answer 1

the vertical line indicating bonds forming

Explanation: Combustion of wood is exothermic, so more energy is released when the new bonds in CO2 and H2O form than is required to break the reactant bonds. Thus the energy change associated with bond formation is larger (a longer vertical line on the energy diagram).