Can someone ANSWER what's the difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions?

When a reaction occurs it is exothermic if heat is released and endothermic if heat is absorbed. What that means is that in exothermic reactions the reaction flask gets hot. For example, if you pour gasoline into a container and light it it burns giving off a flame and heat. For an endothermic reaction, heat mut be added to make it go. In terms of delta H, exothermic reactions have a -delta H and endothermic reactions have a + delta H.

Ok thanks!

Certainly! I can answer your question and also explain how to distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Exothermic and endothermic reactions are two types of chemical reactions that differ in terms of energy transfer. The main difference lies in the direction of energy flow:

1. Exothermic reactions: In an exothermic reaction, energy is released or given off to the surroundings. This means that the reactants have a higher energy level compared to the products. The energy released is typically in the form of heat, but it can also be in the form of light or sound. Exothermic reactions often feel warm or hot to the touch. Examples of exothermic reactions include combustion, such as burning wood or a candle.

2. Endothermic reactions: On the other hand, in an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings. This means that the products have a higher energy level compared to the reactants. The energy is taken from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature. Endothermic reactions often feel cold. Examples of endothermic reactions include photosynthesis, in which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, or the process of melting ice.

To distinguish between exothermic and endothermic reactions, you can perform a simple experiment:

1. Measure the temperature: Start by measuring the initial temperature of the reactants using a thermometer.

2. Observe the temperature change: While the reaction is occurring, monitor the temperature change. If the temperature increases, it suggests that the reaction is exothermic. Conversely, if the temperature decreases, it indicates that the reaction is endothermic.

3. Note other signs: Besides temperature change, pay attention to other observable signs. If you notice heat being emitted, light being produced, or the reaction vessel feeling warm, it indicates an exothermic reaction. Conversely, if you observe the reaction vessel feeling cold or requiring an external heat source to maintain temperature, it suggests an endothermic reaction.

By understanding the direction of energy flow and performing simple experiments to measure temperature changes and observe signs of energy release or absorption, you can differentiate between exothermic and endothermic reactions.