What is a exothermic reaction?

An exothermic reaction is one where the products have less energy than the starting reactants.  This means the reaction must give out energy, usually in the form of heat or sound.  As a result of this, H (the enthaply of the reaction) must be negative as the reaction has lost energy.

On the other hand if a reaction takes in energy, then it is known as endothermic.  Here, the products have more energy than the reactants, and H will be postive.

FP
Answered by Fraser P. Chemistry tutor

3637 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain what metallic bonding is.


Write the word equation for a reaction which could be used to make this ester : CH3(CH2)2COOCH2CH3


Calculate the percentage composition by mass of Lithium Sulfate, Li2SO4.


What affects the rate of reaction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences