Exothermic and endothermic reactions are really interesting when we talk about energy changes! Let’s break them down in a simple way:

Exothermic Reactions:

• Energy Release: These reactions give off energy, mostly heat.
• Example: Think about when fuels like wood or natural gas burn. You can feel the warmth from a fire!
• Energy Diagram: In these reactions, the starting materials (reactants) have more energy than the final products. The extra energy is released.

Endothermic Reactions:

• Energy Absorption: These reactions take in energy from their surroundings.
• Example: Photosynthesis in plants is a great one. Plants use sunlight to make their food.
• Energy Diagram: Here, the starting materials have less energy than the products, so they need energy to happen.

In short, whether energy is released or absorbed can change the temperature and what’s around us during chemical reactions!