3HgO→2Hg+O2
Which of the following can definitely be concluded from the equation and heat of
reaction above?
A. The reaction is spontaneous.
B. The reaction is non-spontaneous.
C. The reaction is endothermic.
D. The reaction is exothermic.
E. None of these.
The reaction is not balanced.
E. Heat of reaction is not given.
To determine the answer to this question, we need to analyze the equation and the given information.
The equation shows a decomposition reaction where 3HgO (mercury oxide) decomposes into 2Hg (mercury) and O2 (oxygen gas).
From the given equation, we can see that the reactant (HgO) is decomposing into two products (Hg and O2). This implies that the reaction is going from a higher energy state (HgO) to lower energy states (Hg and O2). As a result, the reaction is releasing energy.
Since the reaction is releasing energy, we can conclude that the reaction is exothermic.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. The reaction is exothermic.