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Question

Which one of the following is an endothermic reaction?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2025 GAT Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
\(2Pb(NO_3)_2 (s) \rightarrow 2PbO (s) + 4NO_2 (g) + O_2 (g)\)

Endothermic Reactions Explained

An endothermic reaction is a type of chemical reaction that absorbs energy, usually in the form of heat, from its surroundings. This absorption of energy causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease. In contrast, exothermic reactions release energy into the surroundings.

We need to identify which of the given reactions is endothermic. Let's analyze each option:

Reaction Analysis: Option 1 - Methane Combustion

The reaction provided is:

\(CH_4 (g) + 2O_2 (g) \rightarrow CO_2 (g) + 2O_2 (g)\)

This reaction appears to represent the combustion of methane (\(CH_4\)). Although the products listed (\(CO_2 (g) + 2O_2 (g)\)) seem unconventional (typically it should be \(CO_2 (g) + 2H_2O (g)\)), combustion reactions, where a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, are almost always exothermic. They release significant amounts of energy as heat and light.

Reaction Analysis: Option 2 - Glucose Respiration

The reaction provided is:

\(C_6H_{12}O_6 (aq) + 6O_2 (g) \rightarrow 6CO_2 (g) + 6H_2O (l)\)

This equation represents the aerobic respiration of glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)). This biological process breaks down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Respiration is a fundamental metabolic process that releases energy for living organisms and is highly exothermic.

Reaction Analysis: Option 3 - Ammonia Synthesis

The reaction provided is:

\(N_2 (g) + 3H_2 (g) \rightarrow 2NH_3 (g)\)

This is the Haber-Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia (\(NH_3\)) from nitrogen (\(N_2\)) and hydrogen (\(H_2\)). This reaction is known to be exothermic, releasing heat when ammonia is formed.

Reaction Analysis: Option 4 - Lead Nitrate Decomposition

The reaction provided is:

\(2Pb(NO_3)_2 (s) \rightarrow 2PbO (s) + 4NO_2 (g) + O_2 (g)\)

This reaction describes the thermal decomposition of solid lead(II) nitrate (\(Pb(NO_3)_2\)) into solid lead(II) oxide (PbO), nitrogen dioxide gas (\(NO_2\)), and oxygen gas (\(O_2\)). Decomposition reactions, especially those involving the breakdown of nitrates upon heating, typically require energy input (heat) to occur. Therefore, this is an endothermic process, as it absorbs heat from the surroundings.

Summary of Reaction Types and Energy Change
Reaction Option Description Energy Change
1 Methane Combustion (Assumed) Exothermic
2 Glucose Respiration Exothermic
3 Ammonia Synthesis (Haber Process) Exothermic
4 Lead Nitrate Decomposition Endothermic

Based on the analysis, the decomposition of lead(II) nitrate is the endothermic reaction among the choices.

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