Thermochemical refers to the study of the heat involved in chemical reactions. It examines how energy is absorbed or released during these processes, which is crucial for understanding reaction mechanisms and predicting the behavior of substances. This field often involves concepts like enthalpy, which measures the total heat content of a system. In thermochemical equations, the energy changes are typically represented alongside the reactants and products. For example, the combustion of hydrocarbons releases heat, making it an exothermic reaction. Understanding thermochemical principles is essential in various applications, including industrial processes and environmental science.