Endothermic Reactions

Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 14.1.3

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

Thermal decomposition

Citric acid + baking soda

Citric acid + baking soda

Sports injury packs

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?

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