Quantum mechanics -- explanation of exothermic reactions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding how bond formation in exothermic reactions releases heat, specifically at the microscopic level. The original poster seeks a conceptual explanation without mathematical details, focusing on the latent heat released during processes like water freezing. Responses highlight the challenge of conveying these concepts without resorting to mathematical terminology, suggesting that intuitive explanations may not suffice. The conversation reflects a tension between the desire for a qualitative understanding and the inherent complexity of quantum mechanics. Ultimately, the difficulty in providing a purely verbal explanation of energy release during bond formation is emphasized.
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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