An exothermic reaction is a chemical process that releases energy in the form of heat or light to its surroundings. This energy release often occurs when new bonds are formed in the products, leading to a lower energy state compared to the reactants. Understanding exothermic reactions is crucial in fields like thermochemical energy storage, where energy can be stored and later released through such reactions, as well as in electrochemical systems where these reactions can influence cell performance and efficiency.
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