Heat of reaction

Definition

Heat of reaction is the amount of heat energy absorbed or released during a chemical reaction in organic chemistry. It quantifies the energy difference between the reactants and products, indicating whether a reaction is endothermic (absorbs heat) or exothermic (releases heat).

Related terms

Endothermic Reaction:

A chemical reaction that absorbs heat energy from its surroundings, resulting in a temperature decrease.

Exothermic Reaction:

A chemical reaction that releases heat energy to its surroundings, resulting in a temperature increase.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction by breaking bonds in reactants