Simple Description

The amount of energy released when a bond is made or the amount of energy required to break a bond

Further Detail

For a reaction to occur bonds need to be broken, this required energy. When bonds are formed energy is released. If the amount of energy required to break the bonds is greater then the amount of energy released when bonds are formed, this is called an endothermic reaction. If the amount of energy required to break the bonds is less then the amount of energy released when bonds are formed, this is called an exothermic reaction.

Related Words:

• Endothermic reaction
• Exothermic reaction
• Energy profile

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