Energy changes Flashcards
Why do chemical reactions occur?
So that elements can achieve a more stable energy state by gaining a full outer shell of electrons
Where is energy transferred in exothermic reactions?
In exothermic reactions energy is given out to the surroundings so the temperature of the surroundings increases
Examples of exothermic reactions: (3)
Combustion, oxidation, and neutralisation reactions
Where is energy transferred in endothermic reactions?
In endothermic reactions energy is taken in from the surroundings so the temperature of the surroundings decreases
Examples of endothermic reactions: (3)
Electrolysis, thermal decomposition reactions and the first stages of photosynthesis
What happens to the heat content of exothermic reactions?
heat content of the system falls
What happens to the heat content of endothermic reactions?
heat content of the system increases
How to investigate the temperature change of a reaction?
- Using a measuring cylinder, place 25 cm3 of the NaOH solution into the calorimeter
- Measure and record the temperature of the solution
- Add 5 cm3 of the dilute HCl and stir
- Measure and record the highest temperature reached by the mixture
- Repeat steps 1 – 4 increasing the amount of acid added by 5 cm3 each time
What happens when bonds break ?
Energy is needed to break bonds which is absorbed from the reaction surroundings, so bond breaking is an endothermic process
What happens when bonds form?
For forming bonds as it releases energy back to the surroundings in an exothermic process
In endothermic reactions is the energy change positive or negative and why?
The change in energy is positive since the reactants have more energy than the products as more energy is required to break the bonds than that gained from making the new bonds
In exothermic reactions is the energy change positive or negative and why?
The change in energy is negative since the reactants have less energy than the products as more energy is released when new bonds are formed than energy required to break the bonds in the reactants
How to find energy change?
Energy change = Energy taken in - Energy given out
What is a simple cell design?
Consists of two electrodes made from metals of different reactivity immersed in an electrolyte and connected to an external voltmeter by wire, creating a complete circuit
How does a zinc and copper cell work?
- Zinc is the more reactive metal and forms ions more easily, readily releasing electrons
- The electrons give the more reactive electrode a negative charge and sets up a charge difference between the electrodes
- The electrons then flow around the circuit to the copper electrode which is now the more positive electrode