Exothermic reaction facts for kids

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction where the substances reacting release energy as heat. An example of this is combustion. Exothermic reactions transfer energy to the surroundings. The reaction that does the complete opposite (it absorbs heat) is an endothermic reaction.

The energy is usually transferred as heat energy, causing the reaction mixture and its surroundings to become hotter. The temperature increase can be detected using a thermometer. Some examples of exothermic reactions are:

• burning
• respiration
• neutralisation reactions between acids and alkalis
• the reaction between water and calcium oxide

Images for kids

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  The thermite reaction is famously exothermic. The reduction of iron(III) oxide by aluminium releases sufficient heat to yield molten iron.

See also

In Spanish: Reacción exotérmica para niños