# When a self-heating can of coffee is activated, a chemical reaction occurs inside the can. Explain why the coffee heats up.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.5.1 Exothermic and endothermic reactions · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The reaction is exothermic
2. Energy is transferred to the surroundings
3. The energy released when new bonds are formed (in the products) is greater than the energy needed to break bonds (in the reactants)
4. So the temperature of the surroundings increases / the coffee gets hotter

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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