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
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