Self-check: Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions
Complete the self-check activity by looking at the prompts below, thinking about each one, and then clicking on the arrows to review the explanation.
What is the difference between an endothermic and an exothermic reaction?An endothermic reaction absorbs heat from the surroundings and makes things feel cold. An exothermic reaction gives off heat to the surroundings and makes things feel warm.
In your lab assignment, why did the jars change temperature after each reaction took place?The first one got cooler because an endothermic reaction took place. The second one got warmer because an exothermic reaction took place.
Based on your lab results, what can you say about heat and the reaction of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) with water?Since this is an endothermic reaction, heat is necessary to get the reaction to take place.
Consider the photosynthesis reaction. Green plants take carbon dioxide and water from the environment and produce glucose (sugar), which people and animals then consume for energy. In order for photosynthesis to take place, the plant must have sunlight. Is photosynthesis an endothermic or exothermic reaction?Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction. It needs a heat source (sunlight) to proceed. Without sunlight, the simple combining of carbon dioxide and water will not yield glucose.
