Question

Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction? Explain.

Answer 1

There are two types of reactions, exothermic and endothermic reactions, exothermic are reactions in which energy or heat is released and endothermic reactions are those in which the energy or heat is supplied or absorbed.

Complete step by step answer:
All types of reactions can be classified into two categories based on energy or heat factor. These are exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Exothermic reactions are those reactions in which the energy or heat is released. These reactions have a negative value of change in enthalpy. These reactions are spontaneous or we can say that they occur naturally without any external factors.
Endothermic reactions are those reactions in which the energy or the heat is absorbed. These reactions have a positive value of change in enthalpy. These reactions are nonspontaneous or we can say that they cannot occur naturally, some external factor is needed for the initiation of the reaction.
So, due to the respiration reaction in our body, when we breathe in and out, our breath becomes warmer. Or we can say that heat is released. Respiration is a reaction or process in which the food or carbohydrate in our body is converted into glucose, and this glucose combines with oxygen in the cells to provide energy to our body. So the energy is released, hence it is considered as an exothermic reaction and this reaction is spontaneously occurring in our body.

Note: From the food, we eat only the carbohydrates and fats are converted into glucose which is used in the release of energy in our body. Like respiration, metabolism is also an example of an exothermic reaction.