Question

Why decomposition of vegetable matter into compost is a exothermic reaction? (However decomposition reactions are endothermic)

Answer 1

In an decomposition reaction, energy is usually absorbed and they are termed as endothermic reaction, But in the casw of decomposition of vegetable matter, when microbes reacts on animal or plant waste, a lot of energy is given out which leads to the release of gases thus terming the reaction as exothermic reaction . In other decomposition reaction energy is absorbed to break down the bonds between the substances, but as microbes acts for decomposition of vegetable matter it becomes exothermic