What is an Exothermic Reaction?

Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat/light or sound to its surroundings. During this chemical reaction, the system loses heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase in the surrounding environment. The word Exothermic is derived from the Greek words “exo,” meaning outside/leave, and “therme,” meaning heat. For example, Burning of a candle releases heat and light energy in the surroundings is an exothermic reaction.

A + B (Reactants) → AB (Products) + Energy Release

In an exothermic reaction, the total energy of the products of the reaction is lower than the total energy of the reactants. As a result, the excess energy is released into the surrounding environment, usually in the form of heat.

Definition of Exothermic Reaction

Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat/light or sound to its surroundings.

Exothermic Reaction

Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat to its surroundings. Common examples of exothermic reactions include combustion reactions, where substances burn and produce heat as a byproduct, such as the burning of wood or the combustion of gasoline in an engine.

In this article, we will discuss the concept of Exothermic Reaction in detail including its definition, example, exothermic chemical reactions, its graph, as well as its differences from endothermic reactions.

Table of Content

  • What is an Exothermic Reaction?
  • Characteristics of Exothermic Reaction
  • Examples of Exothermic Reaction
  • Exothermic Reaction Graph
  • Energy Change in Exothermic Reactions
  • Exothermic Reaction vs Endothermic Reaction

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What is an Exothermic Reaction?

Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat/light or sound to its surroundings. During this chemical reaction, the system loses heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase in the surrounding environment. The word Exothermic is derived from the Greek words “exo,” meaning outside/leave, and “therme,” meaning heat. For example, Burning of a candle releases heat and light energy in the surroundings is an exothermic reaction....

Characteristics of Exothermic Reaction

Various uses of characteristic s of Exothermic Reactions are,...

Examples of Exothermic Reaction

Most common examples of exothermic reaction are given below:...

Exothermic Reaction Graph

In an exothermic reaction, the products of the reaction have lower chemical potential energy than the reactants. This energy difference is released in the form of heat. The graph for the same is added below,...

Energy Change in Exothermic Reactions

In Exothermic reaction atomic bonds of reactants break and energy is released. It mean that the total energy of the products is less than the total energy brought to the system by the reactants. An exothermic reaction equation will show heat as one of its products....

Exothermic Reaction vs Endothermic Reaction

Various differences between Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions are added in the table below as,...

Conclusion on Exothermic Reaction

Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat/light or sound to its surroundings. During this chemical reaction, the system loses heat to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase in the surrounding environment. In this chemical reaction atomic bonds of reactants break. Calorimeter is used to measure the energy produced in an exothermic reaction....

Exothermic Reactions-FAQs

What is an Exothermic Reaction?...