Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to endothermic and exothermic reactions, including definitions and examples.

Exothermic Reactions

Reactions that release thermal energy to the surroundings, causing the temperature of the surroundings to increase.

Endothermic Reactions

Reactions that absorb thermal energy from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in the temperature of the surroundings.

System

The reacting chemicals in a chemical reaction.

Surroundings

Everything outside of the reacting chemicals in a chemical reaction.

Energy Change

The difference in energy between reactants and products, which can be positive (endothermic) or negative (exothermic).

Heat Transfer

The movement of thermal energy into or out of a system during a chemical reaction.

Combustion

An exothermic reaction that involves the burning of a substance.

Thermal Decomposition

An endothermic reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler substances upon heating.

Neutralisation

An exothermic reaction between an acid and a base that produces salt and water, releasing heat.

Reaction Pathway Diagrams

Graphical representations that show the energy changes of reactants and products throughout a chemical reaction.