Why does the oxidation of organic compounds by molecular oxygen to produce CO₂ and water release free energy?
A) The covalent bonds in organic molecules and molecular oxygen have more kinetic energy than the covalent bonds in water and carbon dioxide.
B) Electrons are being moved from atoms that have a lower affinity for electrons (such as C) to atoms with a higher affinity for electrons (such as O).
C) The oxidation of organic compounds can be used to make ATP.
D) The electrons have a higher potential energy when associated with water and CO₂ than they do in organic compounds.
E) The covalent bond in O2 is unstable and easily broken by electrons from organic molecules.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrons are transferred from atoms with a lower affinity for electrons (like carbon) to atoms with a higher affinity for electrons (like oxygen) during the oxidation of organic compounds. This electron transfer process releases energy because it results in the formation of lower-energy, more stable molecules (CO₂ and H₂O).

Why Does the Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Molecular Oxygen