Exothermic reactions around us
Exothermic and endothermic reactions both matter in everyday life. We meet our energy needs by burning fuels.
Burning fuels
Coal, biogas (methane) and petrol (a mixture of hydrocarbons) release energy that drives vehicles and runs machines in factories.
Neutralisation
Acids reacting with bases give out heat.
Respiration
Cellular respiration in living bodies is exothermic.
Slaking lime
Adding water to quicklime to make slaked lime gives out a lot of heat.
CaO (s) + H2O (l) → Ca(OH)2 (s)
slaking lime — heat is given out