Skip to main content
Ch.5 - Thermochemistry
Chapter 5, Problem 33

(c) For a given process at constant pressure, _x001F_H is negative. Is the process endothermic or exothermic?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the terms 'endothermic' and 'exothermic'. An endothermic process absorbs heat from the surroundings, while an exothermic process releases heat to the surroundings.
Step 2: Recognize that the symbol ΔH represents the change in enthalpy, which is the heat change at constant pressure.
Step 3: Note that a negative ΔH indicates that the system is losing heat to the surroundings.
Step 4: Connect the concept of a negative ΔH with the definition of an exothermic process, which is characterized by the release of heat.
Step 5: Conclude that if ΔH is negative, the process is exothermic, as it involves the release of heat to the surroundings.