What happens to the chemical energy stored in ethanol when it burns?

When ethanol burns, the chemical energy that is stored in its molecular bonds is released during the combustion process. This release occurs because the energy stored in the ethanol is transformed into other forms, primarily heat and light energy.

In combustion, ethanol reacts with oxygen, resulting in a chemical reaction that breaks down the ethanol molecules and forms carbon dioxide and water. This reaction involves the breaking of chemical bonds in the ethanol and oxygen molecules and the formation of new bonds in the products. The energy required to break the bonds is less than the energy released when new bonds are formed, leading to a net release of energy.

This transformation of energy is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics. The heat energy is what you feel as warmth, and the light energy can be seen as the flame produced during combustion. This is why burning substances are often utilized for heating and lighting purposes, showcasing the conversion of chemical energy to thermal and radiant energy effectively.

Overall, the process highlights the efficiency of energy transformations during chemical reactions, especially in combustion events like that of ethanol.