Open the App

Subjects

Chemistry

4 Dec 2025

268

3 pages

Energy Changes in Chemistry - GCSE Unit 5 Summary Notes

user profile picture

Dae ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿชฉ @d_h708

Energy is everywhere in chemistry - from the warmth you feel when mixing chemicals to the batteries powering... Show more

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Energy Conservation and Reaction Types

Here's something brilliant about energy - it never disappears, it just moves around! Energy conservation means the total amount of energy stays exactly the same during any chemical reaction, but it can transfer between chemicals and their surroundings.

Exothermic reactions are like chemical heaters - they release energy to their surroundings, making everything around them warmer. You've probably used these without realising hand warmers, self-heating food cans, and even burning fuel are all exothermic. Common examples include combustion, oxidation reactions, and neutralisation reactions.

Endothermic reactions work the opposite way - they're energy thieves that absorb heat from their surroundings, making things cooler. Sports injury ice packs often use endothermic reactions. Thermal decomposition and mixing citric acid with sodium hydrogencarbonate are classic endothermic examples.

Quick Tip Remember ENDO = ENergy Goes IN, EXO = EXits OUT!

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Reaction Profiles and Bond Energy

Reaction profiles are like energy maps that show you the journey from reactants to products. They reveal the activation energy - the minimum energy boost particles need before they can react (think of it as the energy hurdle they must jump over).

In reaction profiles, exothermic reactions end up lower than they started (energy released), while endothermic reactions climb uphill (energy absorbed). The peak always shows the activation energy barrier that must be overcome.

Here's the key to understanding energy changes breaking bonds requires energy input, but making new bonds releases energy. In exothermic reactions, more energy comes out from making new bonds than goes into breaking old ones. In endothermic reactions, it's the opposite.

Bond energy calculations let you work out exactly how much energy a reaction will release or absorb. Simply subtract the energy needed to break reactant bonds from the energy released when product bonds form.

Exam Success Energy change = bonds broken - bonds made. This formula is your best friend in calculations!

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Cells, Batteries and Fuel Cells

Your phone battery is basically a portable chemistry lab! Cells use chemical reactions to generate electricity, and when you connect multiple cells together, you get a battery with higher voltage.

The voltage depends on how different your two metals are - the bigger the reactivity gap, the more electrical punch you get. Non-rechargeable batteries (like alkaline ones) stop working when the chemicals run out, but rechargeable batteries can reverse their chemical reactions when you plug them in.

Hydrogen fuel cells are the future of clean energy. They combine hydrogen fuel with oxygen from air to produce electricity, with water as the only waste product. At the negative electrode, hydrogen makes electrons (which create the electric current), whilst at the positive electrode, oxygen uses up those electrons.

Fuel cells never need recharging and produce zero pollution, but hydrogen is tricky to store safely and filling stations are rare. They're renewable only if the hydrogen comes from clean electricity sources.

Future Focus Fuel cells could power everything from cars to homes - understanding them now puts you ahead of the curve!

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

ย 

Chemistry

โ€ข

268

โ€ข

4 Dec 2025

โ€ข

3 pages

Energy Changes in Chemistry - GCSE Unit 5 Summary Notes

user profile picture

Dae ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿชฉ

@d_h708

Energy is everywhere in chemistry - from the warmth you feel when mixing chemicals to the batteries powering your phone. Understanding how energy moves in and out of chemical reactions is crucial for your GCSE chemistry success and explains loads... Show more

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Energy Conservation and Reaction Types

Here's something brilliant about energy - it never disappears, it just moves around! Energy conservation means the total amount of energy stays exactly the same during any chemical reaction, but it can transfer between chemicals and their surroundings.

Exothermic reactions are like chemical heaters - they release energy to their surroundings, making everything around them warmer. You've probably used these without realising: hand warmers, self-heating food cans, and even burning fuel are all exothermic. Common examples include combustion, oxidation reactions, and neutralisation reactions.

Endothermic reactions work the opposite way - they're energy thieves that absorb heat from their surroundings, making things cooler. Sports injury ice packs often use endothermic reactions. Thermal decomposition and mixing citric acid with sodium hydrogencarbonate are classic endothermic examples.

Quick Tip: Remember ENDO = ENergy Goes IN, EXO = EXits OUT!

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Reaction Profiles and Bond Energy

Reaction profiles are like energy maps that show you the journey from reactants to products. They reveal the activation energy - the minimum energy boost particles need before they can react (think of it as the energy hurdle they must jump over).

In reaction profiles, exothermic reactions end up lower than they started (energy released), while endothermic reactions climb uphill (energy absorbed). The peak always shows the activation energy barrier that must be overcome.

Here's the key to understanding energy changes: breaking bonds requires energy input, but making new bonds releases energy. In exothermic reactions, more energy comes out from making new bonds than goes into breaking old ones. In endothermic reactions, it's the opposite.

Bond energy calculations let you work out exactly how much energy a reaction will release or absorb. Simply subtract the energy needed to break reactant bonds from the energy released when product bonds form.

Exam Success: Energy change = bonds broken - bonds made. This formula is your best friend in calculations!

4.5 Revision Checklist: Energy
Conservation of Energy
Energy is conserved in chemical reactions. The amount of
energy in the universe at the

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cells, Batteries and Fuel Cells

Your phone battery is basically a portable chemistry lab! Cells use chemical reactions to generate electricity, and when you connect multiple cells together, you get a battery with higher voltage.

The voltage depends on how different your two metals are - the bigger the reactivity gap, the more electrical punch you get. Non-rechargeable batteries (like alkaline ones) stop working when the chemicals run out, but rechargeable batteries can reverse their chemical reactions when you plug them in.

Hydrogen fuel cells are the future of clean energy. They combine hydrogen fuel with oxygen from air to produce electricity, with water as the only waste product. At the negative electrode, hydrogen makes electrons (which create the electric current), whilst at the positive electrode, oxygen uses up those electrons.

Fuel cells never need recharging and produce zero pollution, but hydrogen is tricky to store safely and filling stations are rare. They're renewable only if the hydrogen comes from clean electricity sources.

Future Focus: Fuel cells could power everything from cars to homes - understanding them now puts you ahead of the curve!

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโ€™t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโ€™m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user