Question

Explain what is endothermic reaction

Answers

GPT-4o
An endothermic reaction is a type of chemical reaction that absorbs energy from its surroundings, typically in the form of heat. This means that during the reaction, the system takes in energy from the environment, resulting in a cooling effect on the surroundings.

In an endothermic reaction, the energy required to break the bonds of the reactants is greater than the energy released when new bonds are formed in the products. As a result, the overall energy change of the reaction is positive, indicating that energy is absorbed.

Some common examples of endothermic reactions include:

1. **Photosynthesis:** The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.
\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{sunlight} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

2. **Melting of Ice:** When ice melts to form liquid water, it absorbs heat from the surroundings.
\[ H_2O(s) + \text{heat} \rightarrow H_2O(l) \]

3. **Evaporation:** The process of liquid water turning into vapor requires absorption of heat.
\[ H_2O(l) + \text{heat} \rightarrow H_2O(g) \]

4. **Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate:** When calcium carbonate is heated, it decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
\[ CaCO_3(s) \rightarrow CaO(s) + CO_2(g) \quad \text{(heat is absorbed)} \]

Endothermic reactions are important in a wide variety of natural processes and industrial applications. In order to manage these reactions effectively, it is crucial to understand the energy dynamics involved.