Unit 2.1 - Thermochemistry Flashcards
How do chemists measure energy changes?
When a system changes from one energy state to another
NOT the actual energy of the system
Give 2 examples of reactions that release heat/energy to their surroundings
Burning of fuels
Neutralisation of acids by alkalis
What are energy changes measured in?
kJmol-1
Law of conservation of energy
Energy is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction, but only changed from one form into another form
What do closed systems allow the transfer of?
Energy, not mass
What type of system allows the transfer of energy but not mass?
Closed system
Are all energy changes obvious?
Some are (e.g - coal burning) but some go unnoticed
Enthalpy change definition
At constant pressure and temperature, the heat energy which is gained or lost in a chemical reaction is known as the Enthalpy change
Enthalpy change symbol
ΔH
What type of enthalpy of a substance is impossible to measure?
The absolute enthalpy
What can be calculated as opposed to an absolute enthalpy?
An Enthalpy CHANGE that occurs during a chemical reaction (enthalpy of products - enthalpy of reactants)
How come enthalpy changes are used?
It’s easier to carry out measurements at constant pressure
ΔH unit
kJmol-1
Exothermic reactions
Involve the loss of heat to the surroundings
Enthalpy change of an exothermic reaction + explanation
Negative
Energy is lost
3 examples of exothermic reactions
Combustion
Respiration
Bond forming
Endothermic reactions
Involve the gain of heat to the surroundings
Enthalpy changes of endothermic reactions + explanation
Positive
Energy is gained
Give 4 examples of endothermic reactions
Photosynthesis
Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate
Ice packs
Bond breaking
Draw and label an exothermic energy graph
(See notes)
Draw an label an endothermic energy graph
(See notes)
What type of enthalpy does the activation energy of the forward reaction - backward reaction of an exothermic reaction give?
Negative
What type of enthalpy does the activation energy of the forward reaction - backward reaction of an endothermic reaction give?
Positive
Which is highest in an exothermic reaction - the enthalpy of products or reagents?
Reagents