Question

a chemical reaction occurs in a beaker that youre holding in the lab. the beaker, as the reaction progresses, gets warm and then hot to the touch. what can be said about the reaction? (1 point)

it is likely photosynthesis

it is likely cellular respiration

it is likely endothermic

it is likely exothermic

Explanation:

• Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants and some bacteria where light energy is converted into chemical energy. It does not typically result in a beaker getting warm/hot in a lab - like setting described here.
• Cellular respiration is a process that occurs in living cells. While it releases energy, it is a biological process and not directly related to a simple chemical reaction in a beaker in a general lab context (unless it's a very specific biological lab setup which is not indicated).
• Endothermic reactions absorb heat from the surroundings. If the reaction were endothermic, the beaker would feel cold as it takes in heat.
• Exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings. When the beaker gets warm and then hot, it indicates that heat is being released by the reaction, which is characteristic of an exothermic reaction.

Answer:

It is likely exothermic.