Final answer:
Reactions are classified as endothermic or exothermic based on bond energies; exothermic reactions release heat due to stronger bonds forming in the products, while endothermic reactions absorb heat due to weaker bonds in the products.
Step-by-step explanation:
To classify reactions as either endothermic or exothermic based on relative bond strengths, we need to consider the bond energies of the reactants and products. An exothermic reaction is one where new bonds formed in the products are stronger than those broken in the reactants, resulting in a release of heat (AH negative). Conversely, an endothermic reaction occurs when the bonds in the products are weaker than those in the reactants, requiring an absorption of heat (AH positive).
For example, the process of water boiling is endothermic because energy is absorbed to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules. The process of gasoline burning is exothermic as new bonds are formed, releasing energy. Lastly, the process of ice forming on a pond is exothermic because water molecules release energy as they form solid ice.