Why Is Respiration Considered an Exothermic Reaction? (Class 10)
Have you ever wondered why your body feels warm even when you sit still? The answer lies in respiration. Many students search why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction class 10 before exams because this question appears frequently in board papers.
Here is the simple answer:
Respiration is an exothermic reaction because it gives out energy during the breakdown of glucose.
In this blog, you will learn the concept clearly, learn the chemical equation, and learn an exam-ready answer that you can write confidently.
Understanding the Respiration in Class 10 Science
Every second, your body performs thousands of tiny chemical reactions. One of the most important reactions is respiration.
Respiration is the process by which living cells break down food (glucose) to release energy. This energy helps us walk, think, grow, and even sleep.
Examiners often ask this question because it connects Biology and Chemistry concepts. If you understand energy changes in reactions, you can answer it easily.
Remember this key line:
Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because it releases energy during the breakdown of glucose.
What Is Respiration? (Class 10 Definition)
Respiration is a chemical process that takes place inside the cells of all living organisms.
In this process:
- Cells use glucose as fuel.
- Oxygen helps break down glucose.
- Energy gets released.
In simple words, respiration converts food into energy.
This reaction happens in the mitochondria of cells. Without respiration, no living organism can survive.
What Is an Exothermic Reaction?
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy.
Most of the time, this energy comes out as heat.
For example:
Burning wood releases heat.
Burning LPG in a stove releases heat.
Firecrackers release heat and light.
In all these cases, energy moves from the reaction to the surroundings.
That is why we call such reactions exothermic:
- “Exo” means outside.
- “Thermic” means heat.
Now let’s connect this idea to respiration.
Why Is Respiration Considered an Exothermic Reaction?
This is the most important section for exams.
Respiration involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen. When glucose breaks down, it releases stored chemical energy.
Because energy comes out during the reaction, we call it an exothermic reaction.
Here is the explanation in simple steps:
- Glucose contains stored chemical energy.
- Oxygen helps break its chemical bonds.
- Energy gets released during bond breaking and formation.
- The body uses this energy for life processes.
So, respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because it releases energy when glucose breaks down inside cells.
This released energy does not just disappear. The body captures it in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). ATP acts like an energy currency for the cell.
If respiration did not release energy, we would not be able to survive.
Chemical Equation of Respiration (Class 10)
Here is the balanced chemical equation of respiration:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)
Let’s understand each part:
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) → The food molecule
- Oxygen (O₂) → Helps in oxidation
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) → Waste product
- Water (H₂O) → By-product
- Energy (ATP) → Released energy
Notice that energy appears on the product side.
This placement shows that the reaction releases energy. That is the main reason respiration is classified as an exothermic reaction.
Most students forget to mention this point in exams. Do not make that mistake.
How Is the Energy Released During Respiration Used?
The body does not waste the released energy. It uses it immediately.
Here’s how:
- Growth: Cells divide and grow using energy.
- Movement: Muscles contract using ATP.
- Repair: Damaged tissues heal with energy.
- Body temperature: Heat maintains normal temperature.
When you run, your breathing rate increases. Your body needs more energy, so respiration increases.
That is real-life proof that respiration releases usable energy.
Difference Between Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
| Basis of Difference | Exothermic Reaction | Endothermic Reaction |
| Meaning | A reaction that releases energy to the surroundings | A reaction that absorbs energy from the surroundings |
| Energy Flow | Energy flows out of the reaction | Energy flows into the reaction |
| Effect on Surroundings | Surroundings become warm | Surroundings become cool |
| Heat Change | Heat is produced | Heat is taken in |
| Energy Level of Products | Products have less energy than reactants | Products have more energy than reactants |
| Example (Class 10) | Respiration, burning of fuel | Photosynthesis |
| Real-Life Example | Fire, explosion, respiration in our body | Cooking food, melting ice |
Quick Memory Trick:
- Exo = Exit (energy exits)
- Endo = Enter (energy enters)
Is Respiration Always an Exothermic Reaction?
Yes, respiration is always exothermic.
There are two types:
- Aerobic Respiration
- Uses oxygen
- Releases more energy
- Produces carbon dioxide and water
- Anaerobic Respiration
- Occurs without oxygen
- Releases less energy
- Produces lactic acid (in muscles) or alcohol (in yeast)
Even though anaerobic respiration releases less energy, it still releases energy.
So both types remain exothermic reactions.
Exam-Oriented Answer (Class 10 – 3 Marks)
You can write this in exams:
- Respiration is the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen.
- During this process, energy is released.
- Since energy comes out of the reaction, respiration is an exothermic reaction.
Keep it short, clear, and direct. Do not write unnecessary details.
Common Mistakes Students Make in This Answer
- Avoid these common errors:
- Forgetting to mention energy release
- Writing a very long explanation
- Not connecting respiration with exothermic reaction
- Forgetting the chemical equation
Always include the word “because” in your explanation. It makes your answer stronger.
FAQs – Why Is Respiration Considered an Exothermic Reaction?
1. Why is respiration considered an exothermic reaction in Class 10?
Respiration is considered an exothermic reaction because energy is released when glucose breaks down in the presence of oxygen.
2. What type of reaction is respiration?
Respiration is an exothermic reaction as it releases energy during the oxidation of glucose inside cells.
3. Does respiration release heat energy?
Yes, respiration releases heat energy along with usable energy (ATP). This heat helps maintain body temperature.
4. Why is energy released during respiration?
Energy is released because the chemical bonds in glucose break, freeing stored energy required for life processes.
5. Is respiration exothermic or endothermic?
Respiration is an exothermic process because it always releases energy, whether
aerobic or anaerobic.
How Tutoroot Helps You Master Science Concepts with Confidence
Now you have a clear idea of why respiration is classified as an exothermic reaction class 10. Respiration is the breakdown of glucose, the production of energy, and the support of all life processes in the body. Since the reaction produces energy, we can classify it as an exothermic reaction.
If you concentrate on the breakdown of glucose + energy release in the keyword, you can get full marks in exams.
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