Definitions
- Describing a chemical reaction that releases energy. - Referring to a metabolic process that produces energy for the cell. - Talking about a reaction that occurs spontaneously without the need for external energy input.
- Describing a chemical reaction that releases heat. - Referring to a process that gives off heat to the surroundings. - Talking about a reaction that results in a decrease in temperature due to heat loss.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve the release of energy.
- 2Both can be spontaneous reactions.
- 3Both can be used to power various processes.
- 4Both are important in chemistry and biology.
What is the difference?
- 1Energy form: Exergonic refers to the release of any form of energy, while exothermic specifically refers to the release of heat energy.
- 2Temperature change: Exergonic reactions may or may not result in a temperature change, while exothermic reactions always result in a decrease in temperature due to heat loss.
- 3Scope: Exergonic can refer to any process that releases energy, while exothermic is limited to processes that release heat energy.
- 4Examples: Exergonic is commonly used in biology and biochemistry, while exothermic is more commonly used in chemistry and physics.
- 5Reaction direction: Exergonic reactions proceed spontaneously in the forward direction, while exothermic reactions can proceed in either the forward or reverse direction depending on the conditions.
Remember this!
Exergonic and exothermic are both terms used to describe processes that release energy. However, exergonic refers to any process that releases energy, while exothermic specifically refers to processes that release heat energy. Additionally, exothermic reactions always result in a decrease in temperature due to heat loss, while exergonic reactions may or may not result in a temperature change.
