Overall Energy Change

Definition

The overall energy change in a chemical reaction is the difference between the energy absorbed to break bonds in the reactants and the energy released when new bonds are formed in the products.

Related terms

Endothermic Reaction:

A reaction where energy is absorbed from surroundings, usually in form of heat.

Exothermic Reaction:

A reaction that releases energy into its surroundings, usually as heat, light, sound or electricity.

Activation Energy:

The minimum quantity of energy which reacting species must possess in order to undergo a specified reaction.