Energy Changes & Reversible Reactions (AQA GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

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Energy changes & reversible reactions

  • Energy changes also accompany chemical changes and energy can be given out (exothermic) or taken in (endothermic)
  • The majority of chemical reactions are exothermic with only a small number being endothermic
  • For a reversible reaction, if it is exothermic in one direction then it must be endothermic in the opposite direction
  • The amount of energy transferred in either direction is the same
  • Reversible reactions can be seen in some hydrated salts
  • These are salts that contain water of crystallisation which affects their shape and colour
    • Water of crystallisation is the water that is included in the structure of some salts during the crystallisation process
    • Water of crystallisation is indicated with a dot written in between the salt and the surrounding water molecules
  • Anhydrous salts are those that have lost their water of crystallisation, usually by heating, in which the salt becomes dehydrated

Reversible reaction example

  • A common example is copper(II) sulfate which crystallises forming the salt copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, CuSO4.5H2O
  • If hydrated copper(II) sulfate crystals are heated, the blue crystals turn into a white powder and a clear, colourless liquid (water) collects at the top of the test tube 
    • This forward reaction is endothermic
  • When anhydrous copper(II) sulfate crystals are then added to water, the crystals turns blue and heat is given off 
    • This backward / reverse reaction is exothermic 

hydrated copper(II) sulfate ⇌ anhydrous copper(II) sulfate + water

Diagram showing how heating blue hydrated copper sulfate form anhydrous copper sulfate, and how this reaction is reversible with the addition of water

The forward reaction is exothermic and the reverse reaction is endothermic

Examiner Tip

Make sure you know the terms anhydrous, hydrated and water of crystallisation.

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.