Exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions
I can identify whether a chemical reaction is exothermic or endothermic and explain how I know.
Exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions
I can identify whether a chemical reaction is exothermic or endothermic and explain how I know.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An exothermic chemical reaction causes an increase in temperature (of the surroundings).
- An endothermic chemical reaction causes a decrease in temperature (of the surroundings).
- An exothermic reaction transfers energy from the reactants to the surroundings.
- An endothermic reaction transfers energy from the surroundings to the products.
Keywords
Exothermic chemical reaction - is a type of reaction in which energy is transferred from the reactants to the surroundings, e.g. combustion.
Endothermic chemical reaction - is a type of reaction in which energy from the surroundings is transferred to the products, e.g. photosynthesis.
Dissipate - Thermal energy can dissipate which means it can be transferred to the environment and wasted.
Common misconception
The difference between the surroundings (where the reaction takes place, e.g. solution) and the environment (where the reaction mixture is, e.g. classroom). The existence of cold.
Use the separate terms of surroundings and environment throughout the lesson. Explain that thermal energy transfer only takes place from somewhere that is warmer and somewhere that is cooler.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
substance present at the start of a chemical reaction
substance made during a chemical reaction
when chemical bonds are broken and new substances are formed
a reversible process that does not involve breaking chemical bonds
Exit quiz
6 Questions
energy is transferred from the reactants to the surroundings
energy from the surroundings is transferred to the products
energy is transferred (and lost) as 'heat' to the environment