Question

Explain exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Hint:

In exothermic reactions, heat is released, and in endothermic reactions, heat is absorbed.

Answer 1

(i) Exothermic reaction: These are reactions in which heat is released to the surroundings. The energy required to break bonds is less than the energy released when new bonds are formed. Examples include combustion and respiration.
(ii) Endothermic reaction: These are reactions in which heat is absorbed from the surroundings. The energy required to break bonds is more than the energy released when new bonds are formed. An example is photosynthesis.