Why is Respiration Considered an Exothermic Reaction? CBSE

 Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because it releases energy in the form of heat.

Why is Respiration Considered an Exothermic Reaction?

Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because it releases energy in the form of heat.

---

What Happens During Respiration:

In cellular respiration, glucose (a type of sugar) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

Word Equation:

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy

Chemical Equation:

$$$$C6​H12​O6 ​+ 6O2​→6CO2​ + 6H2​O+ energy (ATP + heat)

Why It Is Exothermic:

• During the breakdown of glucose, chemical bonds in glucose and oxygen molecules are broken.

• When new bonds form in CO₂ and H₂O, more energy is released than was used to break the original bonds.

• This excess energy is released as heat and ATP, which the body uses for various activities (e.g., movement, growth, repair).

Real-Life Example:

• After exercise, your body feels warm — this heat is a result of the exothermic nature of respiration taking place in your cells.
• Respiration is exothermic because it releases heat energy during the chemical breakdown of food (like glucose), making it a vital source of energy for living organisms.

RESPIRATION