Question

hydrogen peroxide (h₂o₂) is decomposed in a beaker to form oxygen (o₂) and water (h₂o). at the end of the reaction the temperature of the water has increased. what has happened to q for the reacting system, and is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? q = positive and the reaction is exothermic q = negative and the reaction is exothermic q = positive and the reaction is endothermic q = negative and the reaction is endothermic dont test me yet, i am trying to gain an understanding before attempting to answer this question.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand exothermic and endothermic reactions

Exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings. In this case, the temperature of the water (surroundings) increased, indicating heat was released by the reacting system (the decomposition of \(H_2O_2\)). For the system, if heat is released (\(q\) for the system is negative), and the reaction is exothermic.

Answer:

q = negative and the reaction is exothermic