Chemical Bonds and Energy Changes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to chemical bonding, energy changes during reactions, and the significance of potential energy curves.

Bond Energy

The energy required to break a bond between two atoms.

Potential Energy Curve

A graphical representation showing how the potential energy of a system changes as the distance between interacting particles changes.

Bound Distance

The distance at which atoms are bound together in a molecule, often associated with the lowest potential energy.

Enthalpy Change

The heat content change of a system during a reaction, usually measured in kilojoules.

Combustion Reaction

A chemical reaction that occurs when a substance combines with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light.

Heat Capacity

The amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, usually in the form of heat.

H2 + O2 → H2O

A chemical reaction describing the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Kinetics

The study of the rates of chemical processes.