Exothermic reaction
Definition
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat. During an exothermic reaction, the products have less energy than the reactants, resulting in a net release of heat.
Analogy
An exothermic reaction is like a firework exploding in the sky. As it explodes, it releases bright lights and intense heat energy, providing a visual representation of how energy is being released during this type of chemical reaction.
Related terms
Endothermic Reaction: A chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings.
Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.
Thermodynamics: The study of energy transformations in physical and chemical systems.
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