Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Enthalpy change refers to the amount of heat absorbed or released by a system at constant pressure during a chemical reaction.
Related terms
Thermochemistry: This branch of chemistry deals with studying the energy and heat associated with chemical reactions, similar to tracking all your income and expenses over time.
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of an object by 1 degree Celsius. It's like how many cups of hot coffee it would take to warm up a cold room.
The amount of heat per unit mass required to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. Consider this as how much hot coffee you'd need for each guest at your party in order for everyone to feel warmer.