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Detailed Study Notes on Energetics for GCSE & A Level Chemistry

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Emi

21/08/2025

Chemistry

Energetic topic notes

488

21 Aug 2025

1 page

Detailed Study Notes on Energetics for GCSE & A Level Chemistry

Chemical Energetics: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

This document provides... Show more

Page 1
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ENERGETICS
ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS
• absorb heat energy from the surroundings
Lo this can be detected by a decrease in temperature of the surr

Energetics: Understanding Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions

This page provides a comprehensive overview of chemical energetics, focusing on endothermic and exothermic reactions, calorimetry experiments, and reaction profiles. It serves as an excellent resource for students studying Chemical Energetics notes IGCSE or preparing for A Level Chemistry Energetics Questions.

Endothermic Reactions

Endothermic reactions are characterized by their ability to absorb heat energy from the surroundings. This process can be observed through a decrease in the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Definition: Endothermic reactions are chemical processes that absorb heat energy from their surroundings, resulting in a positive enthalpy change.

Exothermic Reactions

In contrast to endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions release heat energy to their surroundings. This release of energy is typically detected by an increase in temperature of the surrounding environment.

Definition: Exothermic reactions are chemical processes that release heat energy to their surroundings, resulting in a negative enthalpy change.

Calorimetry Experiments

Calorimetry experiments are essential for calculating enthalpy changes experimentally. These experiments can be conducted with various types of reactions to measure heat changes.

Highlight: Calorimetry experiments are crucial for measuring enthalpy change A Level Chemistry Practical work and understanding energy transfers in chemical reactions.

Types of reactions suitable for calorimetry experiments include:

  1. Reactions in solution
  2. Neutralization reactions
  3. Displacement reactions
  4. Combustion reactions
  5. Dissolving salts in water

For reactions in solution, the principle is to carry out the reaction with an excess of one reactant and measure the temperature change over a few minutes.

Example: In a calorimetry experiment for enthalpy change, a fixed volume of one reagent is added to an excess amount of another reagent in an insulated container. The initial and maximum temperatures are recorded to calculate the temperature rise.

Reaction Profiles

Reaction profiles provide a visual representation of the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction. They show the amount of energy that substances possess at the start and end of the reaction.

Vocabulary: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Exothermic reactions are characterized by products having less energy than reactants, resulting in a negative enthalpy change. Conversely, endothermic reactions have products with more energy than reactants, leading to a positive enthalpy change.

Highlight: Understanding reaction profiles is crucial for answering AQA A Level Chemistry Hess Law Questions and explaining energy changes in chemical reactions.

Bond Energies

Bond energies can be used to calculate enthalpy changes in chemical reactions. Different bonds require varying amounts of energy to be broken or formed.

Example: When calculating the enthalpy change for methane burning in oxygen, you need to consider the energy required to break bonds in the reactants and the energy released when forming bonds in the products.

The enthalpy change (ΔH) is calculated using the formula:

ΔH = Energy to break bonds - Energy released making bonds

This comprehensive overview of chemical energetics provides students with a solid foundation for understanding exothermic and endothermic reactions explained GCSE level and beyond, preparing them for more advanced topics in chemistry.



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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 it’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 didn’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 I’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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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

 

Chemistry

488

21 Aug 2025

1 page

Detailed Study Notes on Energetics for GCSE & A Level Chemistry

Chemical Energetics: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

This document provides an in-depth exploration of chemical energetics, covering endothermic and exothermic reactions, calorimetry experiments, and reaction profiles. It offers valuable insights for students studying Chemical Energetics notes IGCSE or A... Show more

ENERGETICS
ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS
• absorb heat energy from the surroundings
Lo this can be detected by a decrease in temperature of the surr

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Energetics: Understanding Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions

This page provides a comprehensive overview of chemical energetics, focusing on endothermic and exothermic reactions, calorimetry experiments, and reaction profiles. It serves as an excellent resource for students studying Chemical Energetics notes IGCSE or preparing for A Level Chemistry Energetics Questions.

Endothermic Reactions

Endothermic reactions are characterized by their ability to absorb heat energy from the surroundings. This process can be observed through a decrease in the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Definition: Endothermic reactions are chemical processes that absorb heat energy from their surroundings, resulting in a positive enthalpy change.

Exothermic Reactions

In contrast to endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions release heat energy to their surroundings. This release of energy is typically detected by an increase in temperature of the surrounding environment.

Definition: Exothermic reactions are chemical processes that release heat energy to their surroundings, resulting in a negative enthalpy change.

Calorimetry Experiments

Calorimetry experiments are essential for calculating enthalpy changes experimentally. These experiments can be conducted with various types of reactions to measure heat changes.

Highlight: Calorimetry experiments are crucial for measuring enthalpy change A Level Chemistry Practical work and understanding energy transfers in chemical reactions.

Types of reactions suitable for calorimetry experiments include:

  1. Reactions in solution
  2. Neutralization reactions
  3. Displacement reactions
  4. Combustion reactions
  5. Dissolving salts in water

For reactions in solution, the principle is to carry out the reaction with an excess of one reactant and measure the temperature change over a few minutes.

Example: In a calorimetry experiment for enthalpy change, a fixed volume of one reagent is added to an excess amount of another reagent in an insulated container. The initial and maximum temperatures are recorded to calculate the temperature rise.

Reaction Profiles

Reaction profiles provide a visual representation of the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction. They show the amount of energy that substances possess at the start and end of the reaction.

Vocabulary: Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Exothermic reactions are characterized by products having less energy than reactants, resulting in a negative enthalpy change. Conversely, endothermic reactions have products with more energy than reactants, leading to a positive enthalpy change.

Highlight: Understanding reaction profiles is crucial for answering AQA A Level Chemistry Hess Law Questions and explaining energy changes in chemical reactions.

Bond Energies

Bond energies can be used to calculate enthalpy changes in chemical reactions. Different bonds require varying amounts of energy to be broken or formed.

Example: When calculating the enthalpy change for methane burning in oxygen, you need to consider the energy required to break bonds in the reactants and the energy released when forming bonds in the products.

The enthalpy change (ΔH) is calculated using the formula:

ΔH = Energy to break bonds - Energy released making bonds

This comprehensive overview of chemical energetics provides students with a solid foundation for understanding exothermic and endothermic reactions explained GCSE level and beyond, preparing them for more advanced topics in chemistry.

We thought you’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?

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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 it’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 didn’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 I’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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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 it’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 didn’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 I’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 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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