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Where does a reaction’s energy change come from?

An overall energy change accounts for the system and its exchanges with surroundings.

ChemistryTopic · Selected readingSome background helpful
Background and goal

Try the short introduction first, or bring equivalent reading experience. Obtain the specified text before beginning the longer reading.

Draw energy transfers for a hypothetical exothermic reaction and explain what the sign means.

Useful preparation

Start here if the background is new. Equivalent experience is enough.

Your pathway

5 steps · 14 hours
  1. 01

    Locate the reading

    0.25h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    First fifteen minutesCheck the edition or article version and locate the passages below. Write the question you want the reading to resolve.
    Your outputEdition and passage record
  2. 02

    Study the opening

    4h · week 1
    Chemistry 2e

    OpenStax · book

    Chapter 5, Thermochemistry; energy basics and enthalpy

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Chemistry 2e. An overall energy change accounts for the system and its exchanges with surroundings.

    Try thisRead Chapter 5, Thermochemistry; energy basics and enthalpy. Reconstruct the central argument using premises and a conclusion.
    Your outputArgument reconstruction
    Check your understanding

    Answer this question in your own words: Where does a reaction’s energy change come from?

    Hint

    Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.

    Compare with an example answer

    An overall energy change accounts for the system and its exchanges with surroundings.

    What to look for

    • States a claim that addresses the question
    • Connects the claim to a passage or observation
    • Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement

    Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  3. 03

    Read for contrast

    5h · week 2
    Chemistry 2e

    OpenStax · book

    Chapter 5, Thermochemistry; energy basics and enthalpy

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Chemistry 2e. An overall energy change accounts for the system and its exchanges with surroundings.

    Try thisRead Chapter 5, Thermochemistry; energy basics and enthalpy. Compare two passages that put pressure on your initial interpretation.
    Your outputTwo-passage comparison
  4. 04

    Develop an example

    3h · week 3
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisDraw energy transfers for a hypothetical exothermic reaction and explain what the sign means.
    Your outputWorked example
    Check your understanding

    What would make your activity a convincing example?

    Hint

    Draw energy transfers for a hypothetical exothermic reaction and explain what the sign means.

    Compare with an example answer

    A useful response carries out the task: Draw energy transfers for a hypothetical exothermic reaction and explain what the sign means. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.

    What to look for

    • Completes the specific task
    • Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
    • Identifies an alternative explanation or reading

    Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  5. 05

    Write a considered response

    1.75h · week 4
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisWrite a response to “Where does a reaction’s energy change come from?” that uses both passages and tests its own conclusion. A favourable energy change does not guarantee a fast reaction.
    Your outputReasoned response with references
    Check your understanding

    What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?

    Hint

    Test the boundary: A favourable energy change does not guarantee a fast reaction.

    Compare with an example answer

    A favourable energy change does not guarantee a fast reaction.

    What to look for

    • States a specific limit
    • Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
    • Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work

    Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

All 1 resources

Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.

  • Chemistry 2e

    OpenStaxbookcore

    An overall energy change accounts for the system and its exchanges with surroundings.

    Chapter 5, Thermochemistry; energy basics and enthalpy