Thermochemistry is the branch of physical

chemistry (as well as thermodynamics) concerned

with heat changes of chemical reactions (including
phase transformations and reactions occurring in
solution). Processes which evolve heat are known as
exothermic (exo- meaning out and -thermic
meaning heat), while those which absorb heat are
known as endothermic (endo- meaning in). Heat
changes during reactions are determined indirectly
by measuring the work done or a temperature
change. The energy produced or absorbed by the
reaction(s) is expressed in units of joules (= 1
kg/m2s2) or calories (defined as 4.184 J).

The basis for thermochemistry is the first law of

thermodynamics, i.e. the principle of the
conservation of energy. This concept can be
summarized by the equation: