Which statement best describes the process of combustion in terms of energy change?

• A. Combustion is an exothermic process that releases heat to the surroundings.
• B. Combustion is an endothermic process that absorbs heat from the surroundings.
• C. Combustion does not involve any change in energy.
• D. Combustion only occurs at low temperatures and does not release heat.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of combustion: it is a chemical reaction where a substance (usually a hydrocarbon) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
2. Recall the concept of exothermic and endothermic processes: exothermic reactions release energy (usually as heat) to the surroundings, while endothermic reactions absorb energy from the surroundings.
3. Analyze the energy change during combustion: since combustion produces heat and light, it releases energy, indicating it is an exothermic process.
4. Compare the given statements with this understanding: the statement that combustion releases heat to the surroundings aligns with the definition of an exothermic process.
5. Conclude that the best description of combustion in terms of energy change is that it is an exothermic process that releases heat to the surroundings.