Thermochemistry full notes

Potential Energy

Stored energy in an object based on its position or condition, which can be converted into kinetic energy.

Kinetic Energy

The energy an object possesses due to its motion, quantitatively defined by a specific formula.

Law of Conservation of Energy

The principle stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Conduction

Transfer of heat by direct contact between objects.

Convection

Transfer of heat by bulk movement of matter in liquids or gases.

Radiation

Transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves.

Specific Heat

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1 degree Celsius or 1 Kelvin.

Insulator

A material that transfers heat and energy poorly, typically having a specific heat value above 1.

Conductor

A material that transfers heat and energy easily, typically having a low specific heat value below 1.

Chemical Potential Energy

Energy stored in the chemical bonds of a substance, absorbed when bonds are broken.

Enthalpy

The amount of energy lost or gained during a chemical or physical reaction.

Endothermic Process

A process in which energy is absorbed, resulting in a negative energy change.

Sublimation

An endothermic process where a substance transitions directly from a solid to a gas, absorbing heat energy.

Deposition

Process where a substance transitions directly from a gas to a solid state without becoming a liquid.

Hess's Law

The total enthalpy change during a chemical reaction is the same, regardless of the number of steps in the reaction.

Exothermic Reaction

A process in which energy is released into the surroundings, usually in the form of heat.

Entropy

A measure of molecular randomness or disorder within a system.

Gibbs Free Energy

Measures how favorable a process is based on thermodynamic conditions.

Thermodynamically Favored

Reactions that occur without external intervention.

Thermodynamically Unfavored

Processes that do not occur under current conditions.

Favorability

Reactions that are favored when they are exothermic, when entropy increases, and when Gibbs free energy is negative.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction where the products have more energy than the reactants.

Exothermic Process

A process where the energy of the products is less than the energy of the reactants.

Entropy Levels

Ranked from gases, liquids (and solutions), to solids, with gases being the most disordered and solids the least.

Heat Transfer

The movement of heat from one object or material to another through conduction, convection, or radiation.

Chemical Bond Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds that is released or absorbed during a chemical reaction.

Heat Energy

The energy associated with the temperature of an object, resulting from the motion of its molecules.