Chapter 1. The Storyline

1.1 The Storyline

How is it possible to generate thermal energy to raise the temperature of a substance?

One typical way of generative thermal energy is by carrying out a chemical reaction. For example, the reaction between methane, CH4, and oxygen, O2, results in the release of energy in the form of heat and light.

Storyline: Generate Thermal Energy to Raise Temperature
  • Brief reading to provide connections and rationale.
  • Should be centered around a picture or image.
  • Think about it (no need to look things up or have prior knowledge specific to the lesson)
  • Note: The picture needs to be more elaborate. The captions need to point to the parts of the stove, the flame, the water, a thermometer in the water, etc.

1.2 The Storyline

Storyline: Generate Thermal Energy to Raise Temperature

The C, H, and O atoms in the reactant molecuules rearrange to form various product molecules. One reaction that predominates is the formation of carbon dioxide, CO2, and water, H2O.

CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g)

  • Brief reading to provide connections and rationale.
  • Should be centered around a picture or image.
  • Think about it (no need to look things up or have prior knowledge specific to the lesson)
  • Note: The picture needs to be more elaborate. The captions need to point to the parts of the stove, the flame, the water, a thermometer in the water, etc.

1.3 The Storyline

Storyline: Generate Thermal Energy to Raise Temperature

CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g)

The gaseous product molecules are moving with high average kinetic energy. These molecules are hot! They make up the flame, which transfer this energy as heat. Other products in the flame, such as clusters of carbon atoms, also transfer energy as light. This is why the flame has a yellow color.

Key Idea: Breaking bonds require energy. Making bonds releases energy. Chemical reactions release energy when weaker bonds are broken and stronger bonds are formed.

  • Brief reading to provide connections and rationale.
  • Should be centered around a picture or image.
  • Think about it (no need to look things up or have prior knowledge specific to the lesson)
  • Note: The picture needs to be more elaborate. The captions need to point to the parts of the stove, the flame, the water, a thermometer in the water, etc.