Thermochemistry Vocab

TermDefinition
calorieThe amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of pure water by 1*C
calorimeterAn insulated device that is used to measure the amount of heat released or absorbed during a physical or chemical process
chemical potential energyThe energy stored in a substance because of its composition / bonds, usually released or absorbed as heat during physical or chemical processes
energyThe capacity to do work or produce heat
enthalpyThe heat content of a system at constant pressure
enthalpy (heat) of combustionThe enthalpy change (ΔH) for the complete burning of one mole of a substance
enthalpy (heat) of reactionThe enthalpy change (ΔH) for a reaction; reflected by the difference in the heat content of the products versus the reactants
heatA form of energy that flows from a warmer object to a cooler object
Hess’s lawStates that if two or more thermochemical equations can be added to produce a final equation for a reaction, then the sum of the enthalpy changes for the individual reactions is equal to the enthalpy change for the final reaction
jouleThe SI unit of heat and energy; abbreviated as J; 1000 J = 1 kJ
molar enthalpy (heat) of fusionThe amount of heat required to melt one mole of a solid substance
molar enthalpy (heat) of vaporizationThe amount of heat required to evaporate one mole of a liquid
specific heatThe amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of any substance by 1oC.
standard enthalpy (heat) of formationThe change in enthalpy (ΔH) that is caused by the formation of one mole of a compound in its standard state from its elements in their standard states.
surroundingsIncludes everything in the universe except the system being studied
systemThe specific part of the universe containing the reaction or process being studied, as defined by the observer
thermochemical equationA balanced chemical equation that includes the physical states of all substances and the energy change, usually expressed as change in enthalpy (ΔH)
thermochemistryThe study of heat changes that accompany chemical reactions and phase changes
universeSystem + surroundings

Endothermic - a chemical reaction or process in which the net exchange of energy is positive; energy is absorbed from the surroundings

Exothermic - a chemical reaction or process in which more energy is released than is required to break the bonds of the reactants; energy is released to the surroundings

Heat of solidification - The amount of heat required to freeze one mole of a liquid substance; equal in value to the heat of fusion but with a negative sign

Heat of condensation - The amount of heat required to condense one mole of a gaseous substance; equal in value to the heat of vaporization but with a negative sign

Standard state - the state of matter in which a substance exists at 25*C and 1 atm

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