A room filled with a 2:1 mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases can be safely inhaled. However, with a single spark, it can react explosively. Since the explosion would be considered a spontaneous process, what did the spark provide?
A)endothermic energy
B)exothermic energy
C)free energy
D)activation energy

Question

A room filled with a 2:1 mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases can be safely inhaled.  However, with a single spark, it can react explosively.  Since the explosion would be considered a spontaneous process, what did the spark provide?
A)endothermic energy
B)exothermic energy
C)free energy
D)activation energy

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spark provided the activation energy necessary to initiate the explosive reaction between hydrogen and oxygen gases. Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

A Room Filled with a 2:1 Mixture of Hydrogen and Oxygen