Question detail
Why is neutralisation often described as exothermic in GCSE Chemistry?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Question
- A. Because energy is released to the surroundings as acid and alkali react.
- B. Because the products always contain more stored energy than the reactants.
- C. Because it requires continuous heating to keep reacting.
- D. Because energy is absorbed from the surroundings and temperature falls.
Answer
Because energy is released to the surroundings as acid and alkali react. This is why neutralisation commonly warms the solution.
Explanation
Because energy is released during many neutralisation reactions, the surroundings gain thermal energy. The answer applies the exothermic definition to a named example instead of only repeating the definition.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Exothermic Reactions
Students often think that exothermic reactions absorb energy from the surroundings instead of transferring it.
Remember that an exothermic reaction is defined as one that transfers energy to the surroundings, resulting in a release of heat.
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