Question
Describe both an endothermic and an exothermic process and explain one way to determine why it is classified that way.
Answers
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An endothermic process is a process where the energy is absorbed from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature. For example, melting of ice is an endothermic process because energy is absorbed to overcome the intermolecular forces between water molecules and break the solid lattice structure. An ice cube placed in a beaker of water will absorb heat from the water and melt, causing the temperature of the water to decrease. One way to determine if a process is endothermic is by measuring the temperature change of the surroundings. In the case of melting ice, the temperature of the water decreases when the ice absorbs heat from it.
On the other hand, an exothermic process is a process where energy is released to the surroundings, resulting in an increase in temperature. For example, combustion of gasoline is an exothermic process because energy is released when the hydrocarbon molecules react with oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide. One way to determine if a process is exothermic is by measuring the temperature change of the surroundings. In the case of combustion, the temperature of the surroundings, such as the air or the car engine, increases due to the release of heat energy.
On the other hand, an exothermic process is a process where energy is released to the surroundings, resulting in an increase in temperature. For example, combustion of gasoline is an exothermic process because energy is released when the hydrocarbon molecules react with oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide. One way to determine if a process is exothermic is by measuring the temperature change of the surroundings. In the case of combustion, the temperature of the surroundings, such as the air or the car engine, increases due to the release of heat energy.