Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my project I am making an exothermic reaction by dissolving calcium chloride in water. Can someone please explain to me why dissolving calcium chloride in water releases heat?

Hey cpagett,

Great question! The reason the reaction is exothermic is because making the bonds of the products releases more heat than the heat (energy) required to break up the bonds of the reactants.
Don't hesitate to ask any more questions!

-Mahesh

Thank you so much for answering my question! Could you please explain to me what the reactants and products are? Are the reactants the calcium chloride and the water? Thanks again for your time!