Endo or Exo: Which is It Lab?

A common challenge in Thermodynamic Chemistry is how do endo vs. exothermic reactions FEEL. Students will conduct three different chemical reactions to collect data and observations about the Endothermic or Exothermic nature of these reactions. Students will collect initial and final temperature measurements, conduct a flame test of the gasses evolved in the lab, feel the reactions' energy change, then using that data, identify whether the reaction is Endothermic or Exothermic, what the gas involved is and use this data to identify the final products of the reaction, and type of reaction. This lab investigation is a great way for students to experience chemical reaction energy changes first hand.