Energetics - (CCEA)Reactions and temperature changes

Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The total amount of energy in the universe never changes. When a chemical reaction occurs, energy is transferred to or from the reaction’s immediate surroundings.

• in endothermic reactions, energy enters.
• in exothermic reactions, energy exits.

Exothermic reactions

An exothermic reaction transfers energy to its surroundings. The temperature of its surroundings increases.

Exothermic reactions include:

• combustion reactions
• most neutralisation reactions