Preview

Chemical Reaction: Cold Packs

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
758 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Chemical Reaction: Cold Packs
Chemical Reaction: Cold Packs
CHM110

Chemical Reaction: Cold Packs
Introduction
Chemical reactions happen every day in a variety of ways. We will explore the science behind cold packs and the chemical reactions that happen at the molecular level. Furthermore, we will examine and explain what chemical bonds are formed, broken, or both. The product is a simple construct of two bags: one containing water (solvent) and the other a chemical compound called ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). In order to activate the cold pack, one must break containment of the ammonium nitrate to mix with the water. Once this happens the solution formed will create an endothermic reaction; it absorbs heat and the temperature of the solution falls to about 35 degrees
…show more content…
In an endothermic reaction, energy (in this case in the form of heat) is absorbed into the system. Here, the ammonium nitrate compound absorbs heat from the water molecules in order to dissolve into ions of ammonium and nitrate. This absorption of heat is what causes the ice pack to get cold. This is the opposite of an exothermic reaction, in which heat is released from the system rather than absorbed. The chemical reaction that takes place in cold packs is also a decomposition reaction, as the heat causes the ammonium nitrate molecule to decompose into ions, thus making ammonium nitrate soluble in water (Tro, 2009). Ultimately, if an endothermic reaction did not occur in cold packs, they would be useless as they would not get …show more content…
These are the reactions in which heat is necessary to take place i.e. when water is added to NaCO3, or NaHCO3, it absorbs heat and the solution become cold. Similarly, when we add H2SO4 to NaCl it will react and HCl gas will produce. Exothermic literally means 'release of heat'. EXO- means to give out THERMIC-Heat; therefore exothermic reaction. This involves the release of heat. Endothermic literally means 'intake/absorption of heat'. ENDO-means to absorb, THERMIC- means heat; therefore, endothermic reaction. This involves absorption/intake of

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Formal Lab Report 2 Final

    • 1572 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Recall that a reaction that absorbs heat is endothermic; a reaction that gives off heat is exothermic. Now, feel the temperature of the test tube with your…

    • 1572 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Both of the activities rise in temperature, showing the increase of the heat. This is because the reactants in the exothermic reactions had a greater amount of heat content than the products, and therefore producing a negative enthalpy. Activity B however created an endothermic reaction, absorbing heat from its surroundings, due to its lack of energy. Ammonium Chloride and Water had shown to have more products than reactants; and this consequently produced a positive enthalpy change. As Activity A and B produced exothermic reactions, they are most suitable for heat and eat packs. This is due to the fact that exothermic reactions project heat to its surroundings, and therefore heating the…

    • 500 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    This reaction with a strong acid, as noted, released heat, which we call an exothermic reaction.…

    • 1019 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Chem 107

    • 2337 Words
    • 10 Pages

    16. Determine how much energy is released or required for the reaction shown. Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic? CO2 + 2 H2O → CH4 + 2 O2…

    • 2337 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Prior Knowledge/Research: Exothermic reactions give off heat, for example, fireworks. Endothermic reactions absorb heat; heating water on a stove thus the water turns into gas.…

    • 404 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Cold Pack Essay

    • 377 Words
    • 2 Pages

    There are many types of cold packs that can be used, the most common being ice in a bag of sorts. Another popular kind of ice pack is disposable that consists of a small, thin compartment that contains a salt (NH4NO3) inside a larger, thicker compartment that contains water. When the small compartment is broken open, the salt goes into the water and dissolves, which results in temperature change around 15°C.…

    • 377 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    A chemical reaction often indicated by a transfer of energy measured in heat. By measuring this heat transfer in a constant pressurized environment, the enthalpy of the reaction can be used to infer certain information about a specific reactions reactants and products. The transfer of heat from outside sources in would be described as an endothermic reaction. Contrary, when a reaction releases heat out to its surroundings it is described as an exothermic reaction.…

    • 633 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    The primary objective of this lab is to be able to determine the specific heat of a reaction by using a calorimeter. A calorimeter is a device used to determine the specific heat of chemical reaction or a physical change. The specific heat a reactions is used to refer to the amount of heat that is lost or gained when one gram of a particular substance increases or decreases by one degree Celsius. When a chemical reaction occurs in an open container most of the energy gained or lost is in the form of heat. Almost no work is done (i.e. nothing is being moved). Heat flows between the system and surroundings until the two are at the same temperature, when a chemical reaction occurs in which the system absorbs heat, the process is endothermic (it feels cold). When a chemical reaction occurs in which the system produces heat it is exothermic (it feels hot)…

    • 2451 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Equilibrium Virtual Lab

    • 1076 Words
    • 5 Pages

    This virtual lab studies the affects different temperatures have on two sets of molecules, both separate and when mixed. I will compare how these two sets of molecules react in colder temperatures; then hotter temperatures; and how the two react with each other. Then, based on these findings, I will offer theories of two case studies involving 1) honey added to two cups of tea and 2) a package of smelly limburger cheese opened on a winter and summer day.…

    • 1076 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    This reaction is endothermic because the solution HC1 and Na2EDTA added decreased the reaction as the equilibriums both shifted to the left.…

    • 388 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The forward reaction is an exothermic reaction meaning it’s giving of heat. The reverse reaction is endothermic if the temperature is increased.…

    • 233 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Gummy Bear Experiment

    • 1159 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Bibliography: " Endo, Exothermic Reactions and Energy." Ask a scientist, Newton. 4 Jun 2002, Chemistry Archive, Inc. .…

    • 1159 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    * An exothermic reactions is a chemical reaction in which heat is released to the surroundings…

    • 467 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ddddd

    • 647 Words
    • 3 Pages

    An exergonic reaction releases free energy in the process while an endergonic reaction uses energy in the process of the reaction.…

    • 647 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Chem Lab 19A

    • 531 Words
    • 3 Pages

    In this equation, energy is on the reaction side (endothermic reaction) because when we added more heat (increased the temperature) into the solution, the solution changed colour from light pink to purple. This showed us that the equilibrium moved to the right (product) side. This is why temperature has to be on the reactants side (endothermic) in order for this shift to be possible.…

    • 531 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays