Which of the following statements is true for an exothermic reaction?

The products have higher potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is negative.

The products have higher potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is positive.

The products have lower potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is negative.

The products have lower potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is positive.

Question

Baylee Swanson

Chemistry

21 March, 08:40

Which of the following statements is true for an exothermic reaction?

The products have higher potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is negative.

The products have higher potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is positive.

The products have lower potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is negative.

The products have lower potential energy than the reactants, and the enthalpy change is positive.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Alia Peterson · Answer 1

The enthalpy change for an exothermic reaction is negative because heat is being released, so that takes out two of the responses. Since energy is being released into the surroundings due to the exothermic reaction, the potential energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants. Energy is being put in to make the reaction occur, but then that energy is all being released into the surroundings thus a lower potential energy level for the products