Exothermic & Endothermic — GCSE Chemistry Revision
Revise Exothermic & Endothermic for GCSE Chemistry. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Reaction ProfilesWhat is Exothermic & Endothermic?
Chemical reactions involve energy changes. An exothermic reaction is one that releases energy into the surroundings, usually as heat, causing the temperature to rise. An endothermic reaction is one that takes in energy from the surroundings, causing the temperature to fall.
Board notes: Energy changes in reactions are a fundamental part of chemistry for all exam boards. You need to be able to define exothermic and endothermic, give examples of each, and interpret simple energy level diagrams.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
Combustion is a classic exothermic reaction. When methane burns (CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O), it releases a large amount of energy as heat and light. In contrast, the reaction between citric acid and sodium hydrogencarbonate is endothermic, causing a noticeable drop in temperature.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the two terms. Remember: 'exo' means out (like 'exit') and 'endo' means in.
- 2Thinking that all reactions that feel cold are endothermic. While this is often true, the sensation of temperature can be misleading.
- 3Forgetting that bond breaking requires energy, and bond making releases energy. The overall energy change depends on the balance between these two processes.
Exothermic & Endothermic exam questions
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Exothermic & Endothermic
Core concept
Chemical reactions involve energy changes. An exothermic reaction is one that releases energy into the surroundings, usually as heat, causing the temperature to rise. An endothermic reaction is one th…
Frequently asked questions
Is neutralisation exothermic or endothermic?
The reaction between an acid and an alkali (neutralisation) is always exothermic. You can feel the test tube get warmer.
Are changes of state exothermic or endothermic?
Melting and boiling are endothermic processes because they require energy to overcome intermolecular forces. Condensing and freezing are exothermic because bonds are formed, which releases energy.