Reactions That Produce Energy

There are many household, commercial, and industrial processes that use chemical reactions to produce energy.



B9.10 Lithium ion battery pack
Not only do chemical reactions produce useful substances, but some chemical reactions are used to produce energy. Our society consumes energy at an unprecedented rate. Where does this energy come from? And what effects will this consumption have on our environment? You will delve into these questions more in Units C and D.

In this unit, you will look at four examples of chemical reactions used to produce energy.

B9.11 Battery-powered devices
A portable source of energy is key to many activities in your daily life, such as using your laptop, driving a vehicle, operating your phone, or even controlling a heartbeat with a pacemaker.

There are several types of batteries that use a variety of chemical reactions. One such type of battery is the lithium ion battery found in your phone.

LiC6(s) + CoO2(s) → C6(s) + LiCoO2(s) + energy

While the disposal of lithium ion batteries is easier because they do not contain the toxic metals of lead or cadmium found in other batteries, there are still environmental concerns with the refining of the raw materials needed for the production of these batteries. And even though they do not contain the toxic chemicals, they still need to be disposed of properly.


B9.12 Coal power plant
Approximately 53% of Alberta’s electricity is generated using coal-fired power plants. A simple combustion reaction produces the energy needed.

C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g) + energy
B9.13 Natural gas furnace
Most homes in Alberta are heated by natural gas furnaces. Again, a combustion reaction is utilized.

CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) + energy

The production of carbon dioxide by the combustion of coal and methane is of concern to society because of the enhanced greenhouse effect and the resulting changes to Earth’s climate. You will learn more about these concepts in Unit D.

B9.14 Joggers
Your body creates all of its own energy through cellular respiration, which is similar to a hydrocarbon combustion reaction. Later in this section, you will learn more about hydrocarbon combustion reactions.

C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g) → 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) + energy

  Read This

Please read page 81 in your Science 10 textbook. Make sure you take notes on your readings to study from later. You should focus on the processes that produce energy using chemical reactions. Remember, if you have any questions or you do not understand something, ask your teacher!

  Practice Questions

Complete the following practice question to check your understanding of the concept you just learned. Make sure you write a complete answer to the practice question in your notes. After you have checked your answer, make corrections to your response (where necessary) to study from.

  1. Identify one household process and one industrial or commercial process that use a chemical reaction to produce energy.

    There are many different examples; here are two. Combusting gasoline in a car produces energy. The combustion of natural gas in a power plant is an example of an industrial or commercial process that uses a chemical reaction to produce energy.