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.

Answered by Fraser P. Chemistry tutor

3126 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An unknown compound burns with a lilac flame and produces a yellow precipitate when mixed with dilute nitric acid and silver nitrate. Give the formula of the compound.


Why does a higher temperature lead to a higher rate of reaction?


What is the diRfference between Oxidation and Reduction?


Why does Aluminium react with Iron Oxide?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences