Science Common Sense

1505 - What is the difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions in terms of energy?

Imagine you're doing a science experiment.

• Exothermic reaction: This is when a reaction releases energy, like heat or light, into the surroundings. It's like a firework exploding - it gives out energy.

• Endothermic reaction: This is when a reaction absorbs energy from the surroundings. It's like ice melting - it takes in energy from around it.

So, exothermic reactions give out energy, and endothermic reactions take in energy.