Exothermic
From Free net encyclopedia
The word exothermic describes a process or reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. The concept is frequently applied to chemical reactions, where chemical energy is converted to thermal energy (heat). If the system undergoes a transformation which is both exothermic and adiabatic (i.e. heat is generated internally, but no heat is given off to the surroundings), its temperature increases.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>.
A process where heat is released to the surroundings (Qsystem < 0) can also be referred to as "exothermic". If the process occurs at constant pressure, this implies that the enthalpy of the system decreases (∆H < 0); and at constant volume, that the internal energy decreases (∆U < 0).
See also
- Cold-blooded
- Warm-blooded
- Endergonic
- Exergonic
- Endergonic reaction
- Exergonic reaction
- Endothermic
- Exothermic reaction
- Endothermic reaction
References
<references />de:exotherm nl:exotherm