What is an exothermic reaction and why does it release heat?
Chemistry's Warm Gift
What is an exothermic reaction and why does it release heat?
Strike a match, and suddenly there's warmth on your fingertips. Mix the right two things in a bowl, and the bowl gets toasty all on its own. No stove. No sun. So where does that heat come from? Welcome to the world of exothermic reactions — chemistry's way of giving off warmth for free. (Well, almost free. We'll get there.)
Here's the secret first idea: atoms like to hold hands. When atoms link up, they form bonds — little connections that hold molecules together. And every bond is a tiny bundle of stored energy, like a wound-up spring waiting in the molecule's pocket.
