Eksoterminis

Eksoterminis refers to a process or reaction that releases energy, typically in the form of heat, into its surroundings. This is in contrast to an endothermic process, which absorbs energy from its surroundings. In an exothermic reaction, the energy of the products is lower than the energy of the reactants. The difference in energy is released as heat.

Common examples of exothermic processes include combustion, such as burning wood or natural gas, where chemical energy is converted into heat and light. Chemical hand warmers also work on an exothermic principle, often involving the oxidation of iron. The dissolution of strong acids and bases in water is another example, where the heat generated can be significant.

The term "eksoterminis" originates from Greek roots: "exo" meaning "outside" and "thermos" meaning "heat." Therefore, it literally translates to "heat out." The measurement of heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction at constant pressure is known as enthalpy change, often denoted by ΔH. For exothermic reactions, the enthalpy change is negative, indicating that the system loses energy to the surroundings. Understanding exothermic processes is crucial in various fields, including chemistry, engineering, and environmental science, for controlling reactions and managing energy transfer.