Question

Explain how digestion is an exothermic reaction. [3 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 1 Mark

1. During digestion, food is broken down into simpler substances.

2. For example, rice, potatoes and bread contain carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are broken down to form glucose.

This glucose combines with oxygen in the cells of our body and provides energy. Hence, digestion is an exothermic process.

3. The equation for the process is-

${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_{12}{\text{O}}_6\text{(aq)}+6{\text{O}}_2\text{(aq)}\to 6\text{C}{\text{O}}_2\text{(aq)}+6{\text{H}}_2\text{O}\text{(l)}+\text{Energy}$
(Glucose)