Thermochemistry: Heat, Temperature, & Energy

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms in thermochemistry, covering heat, temperature, and energy concepts.

Thermochemistry

The study of the transfer of energy as heat during chemical reactions and physical changes.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The total energy of the universe is constant and can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, or the energy of position, found in the bonds between atoms.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Thermal Energy

The energy associated with the temperature of a substance; also known as heat.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles of matter.

Heat

A form of energy transferred between matter due to a difference in temperature.

Exothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction where potential energy in the reactants is greater than in the products, releasing energy into the surroundings.

Endothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction where potential energy in the products is greater than in the reactants, absorbing energy from the surroundings.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required to overcome the bond energies of the reactants and initiate a reaction.

What does 'E' represent in thermochemistry equations?

'E' represents energy, often in the context of energy transfer during reactions.

What does 'ΔH' stand for in thermochemical equations?

'ΔH' represents the change in enthalpy, indicating the heat content change during a reaction.

What does 'q' signify in thermochemical calculations?

'q' signifies the heat absorbed or released during a reaction or phase change.

What does 'm' represent in the equation for heat transfer?

'm' represents the mass of the substance involved in the heat transfer.

What does 'C' indicate in the context of heat capacity equations?

'C' represents the specific heat capacity of a substance, indicating how much heat is needed to raise the temperature of a unit mass of the substance by one degree Celsius.