Quantum mechanics -- explanation of exothermic reactions

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the concept of exothermic reactions, specifically the release of heat during bond formation at the microscopic level. Participants explore the relationship between bond formation and energy release, emphasizing the importance of understanding overlap and exchange integrals in quantum mechanics. The conversation highlights the challenge of explaining these phenomena without resorting to mathematical descriptions, underscoring the complexity of conveying quantum concepts in intuitive terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exothermic reactions and their characteristics
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, particularly overlap and exchange integrals
  • Basic knowledge of molecular interactions and bond formation
  • Awareness of the principles of latent heat and phase changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of overlap and exchange integrals in quantum chemistry
  • Explore the principles of latent heat and its implications in phase transitions
  • Study the microscopic mechanisms of energy release during chemical reactions
  • Investigate alternative methods for explaining quantum phenomena without mathematics
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, physicists, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of exothermic reactions and the quantum mechanics underlying bond formation.

Andrew1955
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Hi, I am wondering about latent heat release when water freezes but it seems best to start with a regular exothermic reaction. How does bond formation create heat? What is actually happening at the microscopic level so that these combining particles are capable of causing adjacent molecules to become hotter? I am not wanting a maths answer but rather a thought experiment approach to the answer that considers what is happening microscopically. Thanks
 
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Andrew1955 said:
Hi, I am wondering about latent heat release when water freezes but it seems best to start with a regular exothermic reaction. How does bond formation create heat? What is actually happening at the microscopic level so that these combining particles are capable of causing adjacent molecules to become hotter? I am not wanting a maths answer but rather a thought experiment approach to the answer that considers what is happening microscopically. Thanks
"I don't want math." Overlap/exchange integrals.
 
Bystander said:
"I don't want math." Overlap/exchange integrals.

Sorry I have no idea what that comment is telling me.
 
Andrew1955 said:
Sorry I have no idea what that comment is telling me.
You have stated that you do not want any math; if you Google "overlap/exchange integral(s)"-"math", you'll get nothing but math. Do not request that we appeal to your intuition(s), or that we appease your intuition(s), because it simply will not happen on PF.
 
Bystander said:
You have stated that you do not want any math; if you Google "overlap/exchange integral(s)"-"math", you'll get nothing but math. Do not request that we appeal to your intuition(s), or that we appease your intuition(s), because it simply will not happen on PF.

Are you telling me it is impossible to explain in words why energy is released when a chemical bond is formed? I thought maths was a shorthand way of describing something that could in principle be described in words?
 

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