Question

The process of respiration is:

(a) an oxidation reaction which is endothermic

(b) a reduction reaction which is exothermic

(c) a displacement reaction which is endothermic

(d) an oxidation reaction which is exothermic

Answer 1

Answer : (d) an oxidation reaction which is exothermic

During respiration, we inhale oxygen from the atmosphere which reacts with glucose in your body cells to produce carbon dioxide and water. Respiration is considered as an exothermic reaction because in this process, oxidation of glucose takes place, producing large amount of heat energy. The reaction involved is-

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