Energy Changes in Reversible Reactions

What is the relationship between energy changes in forward and reverse reactions?

They have equal magnitudes but opposite signs.

If the forward reaction is exothermic, what is the reverse reaction?

Endothermic.

If the forward reaction is endothermic, what is the reverse reaction?

Exothermic.

What is an exothermic reaction?

A reaction that transfers energy to the surroundings.

What is an endothermic reaction?

A reaction that takes in energy from the surroundings.

Why do forward and reverse reactions have opposite energy changes?

They involve the same initial and final substances in opposite directions.

What happens when hydrated copper sulfate is heated?

Energy is absorbed to remove water, making the dehydration endothermic.

What happens when anhydrous copper sulfate is hydrated?

Energy is released, making hydration exothermic.

How can heating affect a reversible reaction?

It may favour the endothermic direction.

How can cooling affect a reversible reaction?

It may favour the exothermic direction.

Why is it important to identify the endothermic direction?

It allows prediction of how equilibrium shifts when temperature changes.

Does a reversible reaction have the same activation energy in both directions?

Not necessarily, although the overall energy changes are equal and opposite.