What is enthalpy?

Enthalpy (given the symbol H) is a measure of how much heat energy can be released by a chemical. ΔH is defined as the amount of heat energy released or taken in when two chemicals react. If ΔH is negative it means that the reaction is exothermic and will give out heat as it progresses and will feel hot.

If ΔH is positive then the reaction is endothermic and will therefore absorb heat as it progresses, and will feel cold.

CM

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the electron figuration of a copper ion? The n what is the electron configuration of a copper2+ ion


Predict whether the lattice energy of magnesium oxide, MgO, is more or less exothermic than the lattice energy of magnesium sulfide, MgS. Justify your answer in terms of the sizes and the charges of the ions involved.


What is entropy?


Could you explain why water has a high latent heat of vapourisation?