Create a poster to show energy changes in chemical reactions!

Background

You will be given a particular chemical reaction to investigate. If you already have one from last
class, take it out. In groups of four, you must decide if you think your reaction is exothermic or
endothermic and be able to explain why. In your group, there must be a time-keeper/ facilitator,
someone who will record your ideas and create a first draft , and the remaining two will help
make the poster. Since we do not have a of of space to put up big posters, we will use A4
sheets for the posters. Your posters must include the following:

The reaction. Identify the reactants and the products. What is the enthalpy (use a symbol
if you do not know the numerical value). What is its sign? What units do we use for
enthalpy?
The energy diagram for the reaction. Label the graph.
You can see a sample poster in the front of the classroom.
You can draw a picture of the process.

Once you are done with the poster, all group members must be prepared to explain/ answer
questions on their poster.

Everyone must contribute towards the poster making activity.

Once you are done, you will be switching with the lab groups to complete the energy changes
lab.

If you need crayons, markers etc. you may borrow them from the front of the classroom!!

Use the first 10 minutes to brainstorm and decide if you think the reaction is exothermic or
endothermic. Next 10 minutes can be used to create a first draft. Finally , create your poster by
the end of 30 minutes.

Walk around and take a look at everyones poster. Provide your positive feedback on the post its
provided.

Case Studies:

1. Consider the reaction of methane, CH 4 with O 2 to produce CO 2 and water. This is the
reaction that occurs when you turn on your stove.
a. Decide if you think this reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Tell why you
believe this.
b. Draw and label an energy diagram for this reaction, including the balanced
equation
2. Consider the reaction in a typical leaf, the main reaction in photosynthesis:
CO 2 + H 2 O = C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2
a. Decide if you think this reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Tell why you
believe this. b. Draw and label an energy diagram for this reaction, including the balanced
Equation.

3. Consider one of the main reactions in rust. Iron reacts with oxygen gas to produce
iron(III) oxide and water. 4 Fe + 3 O2 = 2 Fe 2 O 3
a. This reaction produces heat, even though the process is very slow and does not appear to be
generating heat.
b. Draw the energy diagram for this reaction, and include the balanced equation. Is the reaction
exothermic or endothermic?

4. Iron(III) oxide is a major ore used in the production of steel. The chemical is
decomposed in a smelting furnace to make pure iron and release oxygen gas as a
separate reactant (along with some extra steps we dont need to worry about here).
2 Fe 2 O 3 = 4 Fe + 3 O2
a. Decide if you think this reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Tell why you
believe this.
b. Draw and label an energy diagram for this reaction, including the balanced
equation.

5. What goes on when we respire? We breathe in oxygen to break down glucose in our body
and release energy, with carbon dioxide and water being by-products of the reaction.
a. Decide if this is exothermic or an endothermic reaction. Why?
b. Draw and label the energy diagram for aerobic respiration and include the balanced equation!
C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 = CO 2 + H 2 O

6. How many of you have applied a cold pack on your forehead before when you have a severe
headache? Or perhaps you are a sportsman/woman that has used cold packs for your joints
and muscles before.
These ice packs contain a small quantity of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) or ammonium chloride
(NH4Cl), which is separated from a sample of water by a thin membrane. When the pack is
struck with the palm of our hand, the membrane is broken, and the salt dissolves in the water.
NH4NO3(s) + H2O(l) > NH4+(aq) + NO3-(aq) Enthalpy Change = 25kj/mol
a. Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic. Why?
b. Draw and label an energy diagram for the reaction. Include the balanced equation for your
project.
7.What goes on when water is added to cement?

2 Ca3SiO5 + 7 H2O ---> 3 CaO.2SiO2.4H2O + 3 Ca(OH)2 + 173.6kJ

a.Is this equation exothermic or endothermic? Why?
b. Draw and label an energy diagram for this equation

8. Fusion is the fusing of two or more lighter atoms into a larger one. Fusion occurs in stars,
such as the sun. The energy released by fusion is three to four times greater than the energy
released by fission, which is the technique used in atomic bombs.
Do you believe nuclear fusion is endothermic or exothermic?
Draw an energy diagram for nuclear fusion.