Science·Matter & Materials·conceptual
Reactions That Release or Absorb Heat
Distinguish between exothermic reactions (release energy, temperature rises) and endothermic reactions (absorb energy, temperature falls), with everyday and industrial examples
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Defines exothermic and endothermic in terms of energy transfer to and from the surroundings
- Gives two examples of each type from everyday life (e.g. combustion, hand warmers; photosynthesis, cold packs)
- Explains energy changes during changes of state (melting is endothermic, freezing is exothermic)
- Interprets a temperature change in an experiment to classify the reaction type
Assessment prompt
If Reactions That Release or Absorb Heat shook a sports cold pack to activate it and it got cold, or lit a match and it got hot, could they explain what type of reaction is happening in each case and why one gets hot while the other gets cold?
Standards alignment
MS-PS1-4US · ngss-ms
MS-PS1-4
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Chem.ENG.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Energy Changes of State
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3
KS3.Sci.Chem.ENG.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3