Which statement describes the potential energy diagram of an exothermic reaction?A.The activation energy of the reactants is greater than the activation energy of the products.B.The potential energy of the products is equal to the potential energy of the reactants.C.The potential energy of the products is greater than the potential energy of the reactants.D.The potential energy of the reactants is greater than the potential energy of the products.
Question
Which statement describes the potential energy diagram of an exothermic reaction?A.The activation energy of the reactants is greater than the activation energy of the products.B.The potential energy of the products is equal to the potential energy of the reactants.C.The potential energy of the products is greater than the potential energy of the reactants.D.The potential energy of the reactants is greater than the potential energy of the products.
Solution
The statement that describes the potential energy diagram of an exothermic reaction is D. The potential energy of the reactants is greater than the potential energy of the products.
Here's why:
An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy by light or heat. This is the form of energy that has the potential to do work.
In the potential energy diagram of an exothermic reaction, the reactants start at a higher level of potential energy. As the reaction proceeds, energy is released, lowering the potential energy. The products end up at a lower level of potential energy than the reactants started with.
Therefore, the potential energy of the reactants is greater than the potential energy of the products in an exothermic reaction.
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