Chemistry / Unit 4 Chem 0637 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Exothermic and Endothermic Processes
Captions available
The idea
An exothermic process releases heat from the system into its surroundings; an endothermic process absorbs heat into the system.
In practice
A cold pack feels cold because dissolving salt inside it absorbs heat from your hand, an endothermic process for the pack.
Where people slip
Students often label a process exothermic or endothermic from its own temperature change, not from the direction heat crosses the boundary.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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