What is the reverse of exothermic?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the reverse of exothermic?

Explanation:
Exothermic describes a process that releases heat to the surroundings. The opposite would be a process that takes in heat from the surroundings, which is endothermic. In an endothermic change the system absorbs energy from its surroundings, so the enthalpy increases (positive ΔH). Everyday examples include melting ice or dissolving certain salts like ammonium nitrate in water. Isothermal means the temperature stays the same, which doesn’t specify whether heat is gained or lost. Spontaneous refers to whether a process can occur without external input, not the direction of heat transfer. So the reverse of exothermic is endothermic.

Exothermic describes a process that releases heat to the surroundings. The opposite would be a process that takes in heat from the surroundings, which is endothermic. In an endothermic change the system absorbs energy from its surroundings, so the enthalpy increases (positive ΔH). Everyday examples include melting ice or dissolving certain salts like ammonium nitrate in water. Isothermal means the temperature stays the same, which doesn’t specify whether heat is gained or lost. Spontaneous refers to whether a process can occur without external input, not the direction of heat transfer. So the reverse of exothermic is endothermic.

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