Examples of Exothermic Reactions : Notes
Examples of Exothermic Reactions : Notes
Examples of Exothermic Reactions : Notes
CHEMICAL ENERGETICS
1. Neutralization reactions.
2. Action of dilute acids on metals high in the reactivity series.
3. Action of water on metals high in the reactivity series.
4. Combustion of Fuels.
5. Dissolution of NaOH, or KOH in water.
6. Dilution of Concentrated Sulphuric acid.
7. Respiration.
* NB – Endothermic reactions are pretty rare so there are not too many in nature.
When bonds are broken energy is absorbed (reason : This is so because energy
has to be taken in (absorb) by the substances interacting – the reactants in order
to the do the work of breaking the bonds between the particles of the reactants).
When bonds are formed energy is released (reason : This is so because the
energy required to form the new bonds in the final substances produce – the
products is much lower than the energy required for breaking them in the initial
substances and so the extra energy that is left over is release to immediate
surroundings.
1. The Bonds are broken in the reactants (i.e. the bonds between the particles of the
substances initially interacting are broken using energy absorbed from the
immediate surroundings). see figure [Q] below.
2. New Bonds are formed in the products (i.e. new bonds are formed between the
particles of the substances initially interacting and the excess energy release to the
immediate surroundings). see figure [Q] below
Notes
* NB – These heat energy changes usually occur simultaneously and can be measured as
changes in heat energy.
Figure [Q] below denotes what occurs in the Combustion (burning) of Methane in the
presence of Oxygen in Air.
Bonds Broken
(energy absorb)
New Bonds
+ (particles of reactants) Formed)
(energy released)
carbon dioxide
water
Products
Progress of Reaction
The energy content or heat content of any substance is called its Enthalpy.
Enthalpy is given the symbol H.
The Heat content of the Products is ‘greater than’ the Heat content of the Reactants
Products
Reactants
Extent of Reaction
The Heat content of the Products is ‘less than’ the Heat content of the Reactants
Reactants
Products
Extent of Reaction
Notes
In all Chemical Reaction Old bonds must be broken before new ones can be formed.
For this reason reactants must be supplied with energy.
The minimum energy which must be supplied before the reaction can proceeds is
called the Activation Energy of the reaction. Activation energy is denoted by the
symbol EA
EA – Activation energy
Products
EA
Reactants
Extent of Reaction
For an Endothermic reaction the heat evolved during bond formation does not fully
compensate for the heat of absorbed for bond breaking. Hence the overall effect is
heat energy absorption and the enthalpy change (heat/energy change) ΔH for the
reaction is positive.
For a endothermic reaction, since more heat energy is supplied than is released the
heat content of the reactant(s) is less than the heat content of the products.
EA – Activation energy
EA
Reactants
Products
Extent of Reaction
Notes
For an Exothermic reaction the heat evolved during bond formation exceeds the heat of
absorbed for bond breaking. Hence the overall effect is an heat energy release and the
enthalpy change (heat/energy change) ΔH for the reaction is negative.
For a exothermic reaction, since more heat energy is released than is supplied the heat
content of the reactant(s) is greater than the heat content of the products.
Apparatus Required
5. A Stirring rod (preferable made from glass) – to ensure the solute is completely
dissolve and to also distribute heat evenly throughout the body of the water or
solution.
Assumptions Made for Enthalpy Change Experiments
2. Specific heat capacity of a dilute solution is the same as that of water, (c = 4.2 J)
3. Specific heat capacity of the Container used is considered negligible (i.e. the
value too small to be used in any calculations).
Molar Heat of Combustion is the energy change which occurs when one mole of a
substance in its normal state is completely burned in oxygen.
Molar Heat of Neutralization is the energy change which occurs when one mole of
water formed during a neutralization reaction between an acid and an alkali.
Molar Heat of Solution is the energy change which occurs when one mole of a solute
dissolves in such a volume of solvent that further dilution by solvent produces no further
heat change.