Energy Change & Rates of Reactions Flashcards
1
Q
Define heat of reaction (H)
A
the net change of chemical potential energy of the system
2
Q
Define exothermic reactions
A
reactions which transform chemical potential energy into thermal energy
3
Q
Define endothermic reactions
A
reactions which transform thermal energy into chemical potential energy
4
Q
Define activation energy
A
the minimum energy required to start a chemical reaction OR the energy required to form the activated complex
5
Q
Define the activated complex
A
a high energy, unstable transition state between the reactants and the products
6
Q
Define reaction rate
A
the change in amount or concentration per unit time of either a reactant or product
7
Q
Define a catalyst
A
a substance that increases the rate of the reaction but remains unchanged at the end of the reaction
