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AP® Chemistry · Unit 6 · Topic 6.1

Endothermic and Exothermic Processes: Topic Checklist (Chemistry 6.1)

Specific “I can…” statements for endothermic and exothermic processes, each linked to the guide section and practice question that shows whether you can really do it.

Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.

Understanding

  • I can define the system and the surroundings for a reaction in a beaker, and say which one the thermometer measures. (Guide: “System, surroundings and the direction of energy”; Practice Q5)
  • I can state that exothermic means the system’s energy decreases and endothermic means it increases, with energy conserved overall. (Guide; Practice Q2)
  • I can explain that energy crosses a system’s boundary as heat or as work, and give an example of work done by a gas. (Guide: “Heat and work”; Practice Q5(c), Q6)
  • I can classify all six phase changes as endothermic or exothermic and explain why using attractions between particles. (Guide: “Three kinds of process”; Practice Q1)
  • I can explain that breaking bonds needs energy and forming bonds releases it, so a reaction’s sign depends on the balance. (Guide: “Chemical reactions”)

Skills

  • I can calculate ΔT from thermometer readings and use its sign to classify a process. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2, Q5)
  • I can decide when a temperature change is too small, compared with the thermometer’s precision, to support a claim. (Guide: Worked example 1)
  • I can draw an energy-transfer diagram with arrows pointing between the system and the surroundings in the correct direction. (Guide: Figure 1)

Reasoning

  • I can classify the same event from two different systems, such as a flame and the water it heats. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
  • I can explain why dissolving may be exothermic or endothermic by comparing the attractions formed with the attractions broken. (Guide: “Dissolving”; Practice Q3, Q7)
  • I can evaluate a claim that a temperature change proves (or rules out) an energy change. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q6)
  • I can explain why an endothermic pack makes a hand feel cold without saying that “cold” moves. (Practice Q7(b))

All ticked? Move on to Topic 6.2, Energy Diagrams, or return to the course roadmap.

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