Meaning & use
thermochemistry
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountablechemistrytechnical
The part of chemistry that deals with the heat taken in or given out when substances react or change state.
Grammar: No plural and no article is needed: she teaches thermochemistry.
Patterns
- the thermochemistry of something
In thermochemistry class we measured how much heat a reaction released.
The thermochemistry of burning methane is well understood.
Her research in thermochemistry helps engineers design safer fuels.
Common combinations
- study thermochemistry
- Students study thermochemistry in second-year chemistry.
- the thermochemistry of a reaction
- The thermochemistry of the reaction shows it gives off heat.
- thermochemistry experiment
- The thermochemistry experiment used a simple calorimeter.
- thermochemistry data
- Tables of thermochemistry data list enthalpy values.
Synonyms and how they differ
- calorimetry
- Calorimetry is the measuring of heat, which is a method used within thermochemistry rather than the whole field.
- thermodynamics
- Thermodynamics is the wider science of heat, energy and work in all systems, of which thermochemistry is the chemical part.
Word family
- thermochemical adjective
- relating to thermochemistry
- thermochemist noun
- a scientist who studies thermochemistry
- thermodynamics noun
- the study of heat and energy
- chemistry noun
- the science of substances and how they change
Commonly confused: thermochemistry or thermodynamics?
thermochemistry vs thermodynamics
Thermodynamics covers heat and energy in general, including engines and gases, while thermochemistry is limited to heat changes in chemical reactions.
Practice
A student measures how much heat is released when magnesium burns. Which field is she working in?
Choose one answer.
Thermochemistry studies heat in chemical reactions. The other fields are real chemistry areas but deal with space, rocks and living cells.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “thermochemistry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.