Thermodynamics

Virginia SOL CH.7.TH

Investigate and understand that thermodynamics explains the relationship between matter and energy.

What students need to be able to do

  • Explain how heat energy affects matter and interactions of matter.
  • Interpret heating curves to obtain information about a substance.
  • Distinguish between endothermic and exothermic reactions.
  • Explain how energy changes in reactions occur as bonds are broken and formed.
  • Use collision theory to predict the rate of reactions.
  • Explain how rates of reactions depend on catalysts and activation energy.
  • Explain how enthalpy and entropy determine the extent of a reaction.