Chapter 20, Problem 9TE

To determine

Whether the refrigerator prevents or delays the spoilage of food.

Answer to Problem 9TE

Yes, the refrigerator helps to delay or prevent the food to get spoiled.

Explanation of Solution

The activation energy is the minimum required energy barrier which when passed by the reactant molecule can get converted into the product molecule to complete the reaction.

The activation energy of the reaction tends to decrease if the temperature is reduced. The speed of the reaction is completely depended on the activation energy of the reaction. Thus, if the activation is increased consequently the speed of the reaction will decrease.

Thus, the food is usually stored in the refrigerator. By lowering the temperature in the refrigerator, the rate of the growth of fungus or any bacteria generation on the food material is reduced which prevents the spoilage of food.

Thus, the refrigerator provides the condition which is suitable for the storage of food material.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the refrigerator helps to delay or prevent the food to get spoiled.