This heater contains a mixture of iron and magnesium. Once water is added to the heater, the heater begins to warm quickly.

Question

Include in the following response:
Thermal energy changes occur during chemical processes.
Thermal energy flows from objects at higher temperature to
objects at lower temperature.
The rate at which a reaction can occur can be affected by
changing conditions of the reaction.

WITHOUT exothermic

Answer 1

When water is added to the heater containing a mixture of iron and magnesium, a chemical reaction occurs that generates thermal energy, resulting in a rapid increase in temperature. During this process, thermal energy changes arise as bonds in the reactants break, and new bonds form, transforming the reactants into products. This transformation involves the release of energy in the form of heat.

Thermal energy flows from the hotter components of the reaction to cooler surrounding areas, raising the overall temperature of the mixture. As the iron and magnesium react, they release heat which increases the temperature of the water and the heater itself. This interaction underscores the principle that thermal energy moves from objects at higher temperatures to those at lower temperatures.

Moreover, the rate at which this reaction and the subsequent thermal energy production occurs can be influenced by various factors, such as temperature, concentration of the reactants, and the surface area of the metals involved. By altering these conditions, one can enhance or slow down the reaction, subsequently affecting the rate at which thermal energy is produced and transferred.