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 ▸

How do you form a Born-Haber cycle?


What is le Chatelier's principle?


Explain what is meant by optical isomerism.


Back in 1950s, it was common to have as house cleaning items bleaching solution (containing sodium hypochlorite) and ammonia (used to remove, for example, hair dye stains). However, many people ended up in hospital after using them both, why?