Which of the following processes would release energy?

• A. Melting of ice
• B. Photosynthesis in plants
• C. Evaporation of water
• D. Combustion of methane (CH_4)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that energy release in chemical and physical processes is related to whether the process is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy).
2. Analyze each given process: Melting of ice requires energy input to break hydrogen bonds, so it is endothermic and does not release energy.
3. Photosynthesis in plants stores energy from sunlight by converting CO_2 and H_2O into glucose, so it is an energy-absorbing (endothermic) process.
4. Evaporation of water requires energy to overcome intermolecular forces, making it an endothermic process that absorbs heat rather than releasing it.
5. Combustion of methane (CH_4) is a chemical reaction where methane reacts with oxygen to form CO_2 and H_2O, releasing energy in the form of heat and light, making it an exothermic process that releases energy.