Suppose reaction A involves the making of bonds and 44.5 J of ...

[karen]

Suppose reaction A involves the making of bonds and 44.5 J of energy, reaction B involves the making of bonds and 17.3 J of energy, and reaction C involves the breaking of bonds and 12.5 J of energy.
 
  What is the overall A + B + C reaction energy? Is this an exothermic or an endothermic reaction? Explain.

Question 2

The purchase by a power company of an area of ground on which to build a power plant is an example of the tragedy of the commons.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[ynlevi]

Answer to Question 1

In making bonds, the total energy release was 44.5 J + 17.3 J = 61.8 J. This is
more than the energy supplied to break bonds, 12.5 J. Overall in this reaction, bonds are
made and net energy is supplied by the chemical system to the outside. This is an
exothermic reaction, because energy of 49.3 J = 61.8 J - 12.5 J can be extracted from the
system when the reaction occurs.

Answer to Question 2

No, this is normal economics. The tragedy of the commons refers to cases in
which there is no economic exchange, but costs are shunted onto others who are not
recompensed (if such recompense be possible) for their losses.