Exothermic
/ˌɛksoʊˈθɜrmɪk/Adjective
Relating to a chemical or physical process that releases heat.
The reaction was exothermic, producing a significant amount of heat.
Often appears as...
- exothermic reaction
- exothermic process
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Contextual Understanding
To understand 'exothermic', you should know that it contrasts with 'endothermic', which absorbs heat during a reaction.
In a chemical context, viewing exothermic reactions as those that warm their surroundings can assist in remembering the term.
Pro Tip 2/3Heat Release in Everyday Life
In everyday language, you can refer to exothermic reactions when discussing combustion, like fire or explosives, which significantly heat their environment.
Consider how this term might apply outside of strict scientific definitions, such as in discussions about energy transfers.
Pro Tip 3/3Scientific Importance
Recognizing 'exothermic' in a broader scientific context, such as its role in thermodynamics and environmental chemistry, is valuable for deeper comprehension.
These reactions are crucial in understanding energy conservation in natural processes.
Compare with
endothermicthermodynamiccombustionenthalpy
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