The changes in heat content can be determined and?measured?with a thermometer
Note that the overall amount of energy does not change as energy is?conserved?in reactions
This is known as the?law of conservation of energy
This means that it cannot be?created?or?destroyed?but it can be?transferred
So, if energy is transferred to the surroundings during a chemical reaction, then the products formed must have?less energy?than the reactants by the same amount as that transferred
In exothermic reactions, the temperature of the surroundings increases and the heat content of the system falls
In endothermic reactions, the temperature of the surroundings falls and the heat content of the system increases
The following are some examples of heat changes in reactions
Neutralisation?reactions:
These always give energy?out
Displacement?reactions:
These can either take energy?in?or give it?out
Combustion?reactions:
These always give energy?out
Exam Tip
Physical processes can also involve heat exchange. Examples include freezing or melting which involve a change in state.