enthalpy
Plural
enthalpies
1
a thermodynamic quantity representing the total heat content of a system, commonly denoted as H
- In an exothermic reaction, the enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative, indicating a release of heat to the surroundings.
- The enthalpy of combustion is the heat released when a substance undergoes complete combustion with oxygen.
- Hess's law states that the total enthalpy change for a reaction is the same, regardless of the multiple steps taken to reach the final products.
- Enthalpy changes in chemical reactions can be determined experimentally using calorimetry, measuring heat flow.
- Enthalpy plays a role in the analysis of reaction spontaneity, where negative ΔH values often indicate spontaneous processes.
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