Question

Which statement about exothermic reactions is accurate?
As reactants form products, the potential energy decreases.
As reactants form products, the potential energy increases.
Thermal energy is transferred from the product to the reacting substances.
Thermal energy is transferred from the surroundings to the reacting substances.

Answer 1

"As reactants form products, the potential energy decreases."

Explanation: In an exothermic reaction the products have lower potential energy than the reactants; the excess energy is released (usually as heat) to the surroundings.