Why is respiration an exothermic reaction?

Exothermic reaction is a reaction in which heat is exchanged from the system to the surroundings.

• Heat is evolved during exothermic reactions.
• An example of an exothermic reaction includes the burning of a candle.

Respiration as an Exothermic Reaction

Respiration is a process that is similar to burning fuel.

• During the respiration process, carbohydrates in food are broken down to glucose. 
• Glucose merges with the oxygen present in the cells to provide energy.
• Hence, respiration is an exothermic reaction.

In the respiration process, the oxidation of glucose happens to produce a large amount of heat energy stored in the form of ATP. The chemical equation is as follows – 

C₆​H₁₂​O_6​ + 6O₂ ​→6CO₂ ​+ H₂​O + ATP

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