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Endothermic and Exothermic Processes

Endothermic and exothermic processes describe whether a chemical or physical change absorbs or releases energy, typically as heat.

Key Concepts​

  • Endothermic Process: Absorbs energy from surroundings (ΔH > 0)
    • Examples: Photosynthesis, melting ice, evaporation
  • Exothermic Process: Releases energy to surroundings (ΔH < 0)
    • Examples: Combustion, freezing water, condensation

Energy Diagrams​

  • Endothermic: Products have higher energy than reactants
  • Exothermic: Products have lower energy than reactants
  • Activation Energy (Ea): Energy required to start the reaction

Importance​

  • Helps predict temperature changes during reactions
  • Essential for thermodynamics and reaction spontaneity
  • Useful in designing energy-efficient industrial processes

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