Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

3. Water

Acids and Bases

General Biology

3. Water

Acids and Bases

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2:03 minutes

Problem 9

Textbook Question

When H₂ and CO₂ react, acetic acid can be formed spontaneously while the production of formaldehyde requires an input of energy. Which of these conclusions can be drawn from this observation?
a. More heat is released when formaldehyde is produced compared to the production of acetic acid.
b. Compared to the reactants that it is formed from, formaldehyde has more potential energy than does acetic acid.
c. Entropy decreases when acetic acid is produced and increases when formaldehyde is produced.
d. Only acetic acid could be produced under conditions that existed in early Earth.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of spontaneous reactions. A spontaneous reaction occurs without the need for external energy input, indicating that the products have lower potential energy than the reactants.

Step 2: Analyze the energy requirements for the formation of acetic acid and formaldehyde. Acetic acid forms spontaneously, suggesting it has lower potential energy than its reactants. Formaldehyde requires energy input, indicating it has higher potential energy than its reactants.

Step 3: Consider the implications of potential energy differences. Since formaldehyde requires energy input, it likely has more potential energy compared to acetic acid, which forms spontaneously.

Step 4: Evaluate the role of entropy in chemical reactions. Spontaneous reactions often lead to an increase in entropy, but this is not always the case. Consider how entropy might change in the formation of acetic acid and formaldehyde.

Step 5: Reflect on early Earth conditions. Spontaneous reactions like the formation of acetic acid could occur under early Earth conditions without external energy sources, unlike reactions requiring energy input like formaldehyde production.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Spontaneous Reactions

A spontaneous reaction occurs without the need for external energy input, driven by favorable changes in enthalpy and entropy. In the context of the question, the formation of acetic acid from H2 and CO2 is spontaneous, indicating that the reaction is energetically favorable under the given conditions.

Potential Energy in Chemical Bonds

Potential energy in chemical bonds refers to the stored energy within the chemical structure of a molecule. Formaldehyde requiring energy input suggests it has higher potential energy compared to acetic acid, meaning its formation involves overcoming an energy barrier, unlike the spontaneous formation of acetic acid.

Entropy in Chemical Reactions

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. A decrease in entropy typically accompanies reactions that result in more ordered products, while an increase in entropy is associated with reactions leading to more disordered products. The question implies differing entropy changes for acetic acid and formaldehyde production, affecting their spontaneity.

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