Endergonic vs Exergonic Flashcards

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@ExceedingSodalite

Study Notes

Endergonic Reactions

Require a net input of energy, also referred to as "energy-in".
Produce products with high potential energy, starting from reactants that are low in energy.
Absorb energy from the surroundings, resulting in products that store more energy.
Energy is stored within the covalent bonds of product molecules.
The energy difference between reactants and products equals the amount stored in the products.

Photosynthesis

An endergonic process where plant cells synthesize sugar.
Begins with energy-poor reactants: carbon dioxide and water.
Utilizes energy absorbed from sunlight.
Results in the formation of energy-rich sugar molecules.

Exergonic Reactions

Characterized by the release of energy, known as "energy-out".
Initiate with reactants that have higher energy covalent bonds than the products.
The energy released during the reaction corresponds to the difference in potential energy between the reactants and products.

Burning of Wood

Classified as an exergonic reaction.
Cellulose, a major component of wood, is rich in potential energy.
The reaction produces carbon dioxide and water as end products.

Burning

Represents a method of energy release from chemicals.
It is a one-step process that liberates all of a substance's energy instantaneously.

Cellular Respiration

Involves energy-releasing breakdown of glucose molecules.
This process is exergonic and occurs through multiple chemical reactions.
Some of the energy released dissipates as heat.
The majority of energy converts to chemical energy stored in ATP.
ATP serves as the immediate fuel source for cells.

Cellular Metabolism

Encompasses the total of all endergonic and exergonic reactions occurring within a cell.

Description

Explore the differences between endergonic and exergonic reactions with these informative flashcards. Learn the key characteristics, including energy requirements and product potential energy. Perfect for students seeking to deepen their understanding of thermodynamics in chemistry.