What is an exothermic reaction?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a definition and explanation of what an exothermic reaction is, typically in the context of chemistry. An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat or light.
Answer
An exothermic reaction releases energy as heat or light, with negative enthalpy change.
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the release of energy in the form of heat or light, resulting in a negative overall standard enthalpy change (ΔH<0).
Answer for screen readers
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the release of energy in the form of heat or light, resulting in a negative overall standard enthalpy change (ΔH<0).
More Information
In an exothermic reaction, the energy required to break bonds in reactants is less than the energy released when new bonds form in the products.
Tips
Confusing exothermic with endothermic reactions, which absorb energy rather than release it.
Sources
- Exothermic reaction - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- What are Exothermic Reactions? - BYJU'S - byjus.com
- Endothermic vs. exothermic reactions - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
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