Endothermic Reactions
Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.1.3
Endothermic Reactions
In endothermic reactions, energy from the surroundings is transferred to the reacting chemicals. This decreases the temperature of the surroundings. Examples include:
Thermal decomposition
Citric acid + baking soda
Sports injury packs
- When squeezed forcefully, ammonium nitrate and water mix in the pack, resulting in instant cooling.
- The speed of this reaction makes these packs ideal for scenarios when ice is not immediately available.
Test yourself on Endothermic Reactions
Why are sports injury packs useful when ice is not immediately available?
What are the reactants for the endothermic reaction used in sports injury packs?
Why does the temperature of the surroundings decrease when ammonium nitrate reacts with water in a sports injury pack?
Which example of an endothermic reaction involves squeezing two reactants together to produce instant cooling?
What would most likely happen if a sports injury pack was not squeezed?