What is Endothermic: Definition and 55 Discussions

An endothermic process is any process with an increase in the enthalpy H (or internal energy U) of the system. In such a process, a closed system usually absorbs thermal energy from its surroundings, which is heat transfer into the system. It may be a chemical process, such as dissolving ammonium nitrate in water, or a physical process, such as the melting of ice cubes.
The term was coined by Marcellin Berthelot from the Greek roots endo-, derived from the word "endon" (ἔνδον) meaning "within", and the root "therm" (θερμ-), meaning "hot" or "warm" in the sense that a process depends on absorbing heat if it is to proceed. The opposite of an endothermic process is an exothermic process, one that releases or "gives out" energy, usually in the form of heat and sometimes as electrical energy. Thus in each term (endothermic and exothermic) the prefix refers to where heat (or electrical energy) goes as the process occurs.

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  1. S

    Is hell exothermic or endothermic?

    Dr. Schambaugh, of the University of Oklahoma School of Chemical Engineering, Final Exam question for May of 1997. Dr. Schambaugh is known for asking questions such as, "why do airplanes fly?" on his final exams. His one and only final exam question in May 1997 for his Momentum, Heat and Mass...
  2. U

    Endothermic and Exothermic Explained

    How can you tell when a reaction is endo or exothermic? From what i understand there are two ways to know: 1) if the enthaply(change in H) is greater than 0, it's endothermic. If the change in H is lower than 0, its exothermic. 2) Also,when the chemical bonds of the reactant molecules are...
  3. C

    If we have to use a match to start a reaction, is it endothermic?

    If we have to use a match to start a reaction, is it endothermic? I have searched for the answer in my book, wasted about 3 hours but to no avail. Anyone?
  4. S

    Endothermic nuclear fusion reactions

    Could anyone give me a few examples of endothermic fusion reactions between elements solid at room temperature?
  5. D

    Endothermic reactions converted heat energy as electricity?

    Are there any endothermic reactions that can release the converted heat energy as electricty? How do they work? I wonder if it is possible to create something that will convert heat to electricty all the way down to refridgerator temps... they you got your personal power generator and a...
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