In terms of thermodynamics, what does exothermic mean?

Exothermic reactions are characterized by the release of heat to the surroundings. This implies that during the chemical reaction, energy is given off, often resulting in an increase in temperature of the surrounding environment. This process is essential in various applications, including combustion reactions, where the release of heat energy is harnessed for practical use, such as in engines or heating systems.

The term "exothermic" derives from the Greek words 'exo,' meaning outside, and 'thermos,' meaning heat. In these reactions, the energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, indicating that energy has been released as the reaction proceeded. Understanding the concept of exothermic processes is important in thermodynamics as it highlights the relationship between energy changes and heat exchange in chemical reactions.