Energy changes in reactions
I can complete a series of practicals to measure the temperature change and record appropriate results, concluding whether the reactions were exothermic or endothermic.
Energy changes in reactions
I can complete a series of practicals to measure the temperature change and record appropriate results, concluding whether the reactions were exothermic or endothermic.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Changes in heat energy accompany salts dissolving in water.
- Changes in heat energy accompany neutralisation, displacement and precipitation reactions.
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions have everyday uses.
- When reactions take place in solution, temperature changes can be measured to reflect the energy changes.
Keywords
Exothermic - An exothermic chemical reaction is a type of reaction in which energy is transferred from the reactants to the surroundings e.g. combustion.
Endothermic - An endothermic chemical reaction is a type of reaction in which energy is transferred from the surroundings to the products e.g. photosynthesis.
Solution - A solution is formed when a substance dissolves into a liquid.
Calorimetry - Calorimetry is an experiment than can be used to measure an energy change during a reaction.
Common misconception
Pupils struggle to identify the surroundings in exothermic and endothermic reactions and why the temperature decreases in endothermic reactions when energy is transferred into the reaction.
Explain that the surroundings are where you are making the temperature measurements and that the energy is transferred from the thermal energy store of the surroundings to the chemical energy store of the reaction.
Equipment
Beakers, polystyrene coffee cups and lids, thermometers or temperature probes, stirring rods.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
aqueous
solid
liquid
gas
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Chemical reaction in which energy is transferred to the surroundings.
Chemical reaction in which energy is transferred to the products.
Formed when a substance dissolves in a liquid.
An experiment used to measure energy change during a reaction.