If we have to use a match to start a reaction, is it endothermic?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the classification of chemical reactions as endothermic or exothermic, particularly in the context of using a match to initiate a reaction. An endothermic reaction absorbs energy, while an exothermic reaction releases energy. The necessity of an energy input, such as a match, does not definitively categorize a reaction; both types may require activation energy to proceed. A free energy diagram is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the energy dynamics involved in chemical reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with chemical reaction types
  • Knowledge of activation energy concepts
  • Ability to interpret free energy diagrams
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics in chemistry
  • Learn about activation energy and its role in chemical reactions
  • Explore free energy diagrams and their significance in reaction analysis
  • Investigate specific examples of endothermic and exothermic reactions
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the energy changes in chemical reactions.

Chocolaty
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If we have to use a match to start a reaction, is it endothermic?

I have searched for the answer in my book, wasted about 3 hours but to no avail. Anyone?
 
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you really searched for 3 hours? I would have guessed you've never opened the text...really it doesn't get any easier then this.
 
thanks for the "reply". Although that doesn't help me. Maybe it's easy for you but we're not all in the same grade, and you have to remember that, sir.
 
Chocolaty said:
If we have to use a match to start a reaction, is it endothermic?

I have searched for the answer in my book, wasted about 3 hours but to no avail. Anyone?
An endothermic reaction is like pushing a rock up a hill.
An exothermic reaction is like rolling a rock down a hill.
A match is like giving a rock a shove.
Either type of reation may require a start from a match, after that the endothermic reation absorbs energy (often heat), while the exothermic reation releases energy (often heat).
So in short more information is needed to answer the question.
 
Actually, there's slightly more to this problem.

Chocolaty, you'll need to observe a free energy diagram. Most reactions, although exothermic require an energy input to surpass the activation energy barrier, so in short, you can't tell whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic simply by the fact that it proceeded through the input of heat.
 

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