Every reaction is accompanied by a change in the energy content of the system. The oxidation of 1 mole of glucose, for example, is accompanied by the libration of 673,000 kcal. In order to express more completely the change occurring in the oxidation of glucose, we should accordingly express our equation as

C ₆H ₁₂O ₆ + 6O _{2 =} 6CO ₂ + 6H ₂ O + 673,000 kcal

However, this heat of the reaction is not necessarily the same as the maximal possible work or free energy change which may be obtained from the Read more

Heat production is an essential feature of life. As has already been indicated, the heat loss from the body is a measure of its energy exchange and is a result of the chemical changes which are an essential part of the living process. In the warm – blooded animal this production of heat also serves to maintain the body at a constant temperature (36 – 37⁰ C; 97 – 99⁰ F) which is usually above that of the environment. The maintenance of this constancy is one of the important homeostatic mechanisms of the body. Since the heat production exceeds that which is necessary for maintaining the body Read more