Almost all organisms on Earth use sugar for energy. Sugar reacts with oxygen in cells.

Question

Is burning sugar an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

Responses

endothermic, because burning sugar releases energy
endothermic, because burning sugar releases energy

exothermic, because burning sugar absorbs energy
exothermic, because burning sugar absorbs energy

endothermic, because burning sugar absorbs energy
endothermic, because burning sugar absorbs energy

exothermic, because burning sugar releases energy

Answer 1

The correct response is:

exothermic, because burning sugar releases energy.

Burning sugar (or any organic compound) in the presence of oxygen is a combustion reaction, which releases energy in the form of heat and light. Therefore, it is classified as an exothermic reaction.