Energetics
Overview
When chemicals react, energy is exchanged with the surroundings. Some reactions release heat and warm everything around them; others absorb heat and make the surroundings cooler. Understanding which direction the energy flows, and how to measure it, is at the heart of energetics.
In this lesson you will distinguish exothermic from endothermic reactions, carry out calorimetry calculations using Q = mcDeltaT, work out molar enthalpy changes, and interpret energy level diagrams. These skills appear regularly on both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the Edexcel Science Double Award.
Objectives
- Know that chemical reactions in which heat energy is given out are exothermic and those in which heat energy is taken in are endothermic
- Describe simple calorimetry experiments for reactions such as combustion, displacement, dissolving and neutralisation
- Calculate the heat energy change from a measured temperature change using Q = mcDeltaT
- Calculate the molar enthalpy change from the heat energy change Q
- Investigate temperature changes accompanying various types of change
Mind map
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Flashcards
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Energetics. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following reactions is endothermic? A) Combustion of methane B) Neutralisation of an acid C) Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate D) Displacement of copper by iron Answer: C
- In the equation Q = mcDeltaT, what does c represent? A) Concentration B) Specific heat capacity C) Number of moles D) Temperature change Answer: B
- On an energy level diagram for an exothermic reaction, the products are: A) At a higher energy level than the reactants B) At the same energy level as the reactants C) At a lower energy level than the reactants D) Not shown on the diagram Answer: C
- A calorimetry experiment uses 100 cm3 of water. The mass of water used in the calculation is: A) 0.1 g B) 10 g C) 100 g D) 1000 g Answer: C
- What is the activation energy of a reaction? A) The total energy released by the products B) The minimum energy needed to start the reaction C) The difference between reactant and product energy D) The heat energy absorbed from the surroundings Answer: B
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Practice Mock Questions
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