Question

Explain the difference between an endothermic and an exothermic reaction using the concepts of potential energy, stability, and a system. How do these types of reactions demonstrate the conservation of energy? (Energy of Reactions)

Answer 1

An Exothermic reaction releases energy into the surroundings and so the products have more potential energy then the reactants. The enthalpy change is a negative value. Whereas, an endothermic reaction involves the absorption of energy into the system and so the reactants have more potential energy than the products. The enthalpy change is a positive value. This is clearly represented in energy profile diagrams.