When room temperature solutions of vinegar and drain cleaner are combined,the temperature of the resulting solution is greater than room temperature.Which of the following is the best explanation for this apparent violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy?
A)Some of the mass of the room temperature solutions is converted into heat energy
B)The total energy of the original solutions is equal to the total energy of the resulting solution plus the heat energy
C)An ordinary chemical reaction occurs, so the Law of Conservation of Energy does not apply
D)The thermometer used to measure the temperature of the solutions must be faulty
E)The Law of Conservation of Energy does not apply to heat energy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in temperature is due to an exothermic chemical reaction between the vinegar and the drain cleaner. The total energy of the original solutions is equal to the total energy of the resulting solution plus the heat energy released by the reaction, in accordance with the Law of Conservation of Energy.

When Room Temperature Solutions of Vinegar and Drain Cleaner Are