Endothermic & Exothermic

Conservation of Energy
 The

law of conservation of energy says the amount of energy in the universe is constant. Energy is only transferred in chemical reactions .

Energy
 This

says that when the system gives off energy the surroundings gain energy.  When we look at a bonfire as a "system" we can see that the bonfire gives off energy and the "surroundings" gain energy

What is meant by the system and the surroundings?



The system refers to the substances undergoing the change, whether the change is physical, chemical or nuclear. The surrounding refers to the immediate environment that the substances are in.

Energy Change
 All

reactions, whether they are physical, chemical or nuclear undergo some energy change. Reactions can be classified based on whether the change involves an absorption of energy or a release. These reactions are termed:

Exothermic
 Reaction

in which energy is released by the system into the surrounding environment.

molecules, atoms and bonds "lost" energy to the surroundings.  The container in which an exothermic reaction is taking place will feel warm.


Endothermic
 Reaction

in which energy is absorbed by the system from the surrounding environment

molecules, atoms and bonds "gain" energy from their surroundings. The container in which an endothermic reaction is taking place will feel cold.

 

Endo or Exo