Topic 1

Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions

The Law of Conservation of Energy

(The First Law of Thermodynamics):Energy can be converted from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed.
All chemical substances contain energy in the form of

chemical energy

The changes of energy in some chemical reaction

Combustion of fossil fuels
Chemical energy Heat energy

Reaction in chemical cell

Chemical energy Electrical energy

Photosynthesis Burning of fire cracker

Light energy Heat energy Light energy Sound energy

Light energy

Chemical energy

Exothermic process
any process that gives out heat - transfers thermal

energy to the surroundings (system loses heat) In an exothermic reaction, (a) chemical energy in the reactant is changed into heat energy (b) the heat energy is transferred to the surrounding (c) temperature of the surroundings increases

Exothermic process
Surroundings do not involve in the reactions.

Surroundings include :- Container which holds the reactant and product - Solvent in which the reactions are taking place - Air - Thermometer

Examples of chemical reaction

Exothermic Equation reaction Combustion of C2H5OH (l) + 3O2 (g) 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l) fuel Burning of 2Mg(s) + O2(g) 2MgO(s) metal Neutralisation H2SO4 (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) Na2SO4 (aq) + 2H2O (l) Respiration C6H12O6(aq) + 6O2(g) 6CO2(g) + 6 H2O (l)

Endothermic process
A chemical reaction that absorbs heat from the

surroundings (system absorbs heat) In an endothermic reaction, (a) heat energy is absorbed from the surrounding (b) the heat energy is changed into chemical energy (c) temperature of the surroundings decreases

Examples of chemical reaction

Endothermic reaction Thermal 2Zn(NO3 )2(s) decomposition of nitrate salts Equation 2ZnO(s) + 4NO2(g) + O2(g)

Thermal CaCO3(s) CaO(s) + CO2(g) decomposition of carbonate salts Rxn of acid HCl (aq) + KHCO3 (s) KCl(aq) + CO2(g) with hydrogen + H2O (l) carbonates

Energy level diagram

The amount of heat energy released or absorbed

during a chemical reaction is called the heat of reaction, H (kJ)

H = total energy content of product total energy

content of reactants = H products - H reactants

Energy level diagram

Exothermic reaction : The reactants lose heat to form the product. H product < H reactant H is negative

Energy

Reactant H = negative

Product

Energy level diagram

Endothermic reaction : The reactants absorb heat energy from surroundings to form the products. H product > H reactant H is positive
Energy Product H = positive

Reactant