September 27, 2025

What Is The Difference Between Exothermic And Endothermic Reactions

Q: Is melting ice an endothermic or exothermic process?

Melting ice is an endothermic process. It requires energy (heat) to be absorbed from the environment to break the bonds holding the water molecules in a solid structure.

Q: How can you remember the difference between exothermic and endothermic?

A simple way to remember is by their prefixes: 'Exo-' sounds like 'exit,' meaning energy exits the system. 'Endo-' sounds like 'enter,' meaning energy enters the system.

Learn the key difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions. Understand how chemical reactions either release energy as heat or absorb it from their surroundings.

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Exothermic vs. Endothermic: Energy Release vs. Absorption

The main difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions lies in the flow of energy. An **exothermic** reaction releases energy into its surroundings, typically as heat or light, causing the temperature to rise. In contrast, an **endothermic** reaction absorbs energy from its surroundings, causing the temperature to drop.

Simple Examples

A burning candle is a classic example of an exothermic reaction; it releases both heat and light. An everyday endothermic process is the reaction inside an instant cold pack, which absorbs heat from its surroundings, making the pack feel cold to the touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is melting ice an endothermic or exothermic process?

How can you remember the difference between exothermic and endothermic?