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    Energy Changes

    Revision notes · Chemistry

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    Lesson step 1 of 4Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

    Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

    Exothermic reactions release energy to the surroundings — the temperature increases. Examples: combustion, neutralisation, oxidation. Hand warmers use exothermic reactions.

    Endothermic reactions absorb energy from the surroundings — the temperature decreases. Examples: thermal decomposition, citric acid + sodium hydrogencarbonate. Cold packs use endothermic reactions.

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    Key Terms

    Activation energy
    The minimum energy required for reactant particles to react.
    Catalyst
    A substance that speeds up a reaction by providing an alternative pathway with lower activation energy, without being used up.