Energy transfer to and from the surroundings
What Energy transfer to and from the surroundings means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Energy transfer to and from the surroundings
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Energy transfer to and from the surroundings in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Breaking bonds in reactants requires an input of energy from the surroundings, and forming bonds in products releases energy to the surroundings.
If a reaction transfers energy to the surroundings the product molecules must have less energy than the reactants, by the amount transferred.
Topics that use Energy transfer to and from the surroundings
- Energy transfer during exothermic and endothermic reactions (AQA GCSE)
- The energy change of reactions (HT only) (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Endothermic reaction
- Exothermic and endothermic reactions
- Exothermic reaction
- Bond breaking
- Bond breaking and bond formation
- Combustion
- Conservation of energy in chemical reactions
- Control variables
Using Energy transfer to and from the surroundings in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge