Determine whether each process is endothermic or exothermic.

Question

a fire(the system is the fire)
a car engine(the system is the engine)
a melting ice sculpture(the ice is the system)

Answer 1

To determine whether each process is endothermic or exothermic, we need to look at whether heat is absorbed or released by the system in question.

1. A fire (the system is the fire): A fire is an exothermic process. It typically involves combustion, where fuel reacts with oxygen and releases heat and light energy into the surroundings.

2. A car engine (the system is the engine): A car engine primarily operates through the combustion of fuel, which is also an exothermic process. During combustion, chemical energy is released as heat, which powers the engine and produces gases as byproducts.

3. A melting ice sculpture (the ice is the system): Melting ice is an endothermic process. The ice absorbs heat from its surroundings to overcome the forces binding the water molecules together, allowing it to transition from a solid to a liquid state.

In summary:

• Fire: Exothermic
• Car engine: Exothermic
• Melting ice sculpture: Endothermic