Question
What is exothermic reaction
Answers
GPT-4o
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat or light. This release occurs because the total energy of the products is less than the total energy of the reactants. During the reaction, energy is released into the surroundings, usually making them warmer.
Examples of exothermic reactions include:
- Combustion reactions, such as burning of fuels (e.g., wood, coal, natural gas).
- Many oxidation reactions, including rusting of iron.
- The reaction between acids and bases (neutralization).
- Most forms of cellular respiration.
- The reaction of quicklime (calcium oxide) with water.
In an exothermic reaction, the enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative, indicating that energy is being released to the surroundings. These reactions are often spontaneous and common in both natural and industrial processes.
Examples of exothermic reactions include:
- Combustion reactions, such as burning of fuels (e.g., wood, coal, natural gas).
- Many oxidation reactions, including rusting of iron.
- The reaction between acids and bases (neutralization).
- Most forms of cellular respiration.
- The reaction of quicklime (calcium oxide) with water.
In an exothermic reaction, the enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative, indicating that energy is being released to the surroundings. These reactions are often spontaneous and common in both natural and industrial processes.