Understanding Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
Exothermic reactions are chemical reactions that release heat. In other words, the reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings and releases it as heat. This is in contrast to endothermic reactions, which absorb heat from the surroundings and release it as work.
Exothermic reactions can be spontaneous, meaning they can proceed without any external input of energy. They often involve a decrease in the bond energy of the reactants, which is released as heat. Examples of exothermic reactions include combustion reactions, such as the burning of gasoline in a car engine, and the reaction of acid with base to produce salt and water.
In contrast, endothermic reactions are those that absorb heat from the surroundings and release it as work. These reactions often involve an increase in the bond energy of the reactants, which is stored as potential energy. Examples of endothermic reactions include the formation of ice from water, and the reaction of a base with an acid to form a salt and water.
It's important to note that both exothermic and endothermic reactions can be reversible, meaning they can proceed in both forward and reverse directions. The direction of the reaction is determined by the equilibrium constant, which is influenced by factors such as temperature and pressure.
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