Asked by ny
How does the potential-energy diagram for a reaction indicate whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic?
An endothermic reaction has reactants that are lower in energy than products because energy is absorbed to form the products.
An endothermic reaction has reactants that are higher in energy than products because energy is released to form the products.
An exothermic reaction has reactants that are lower in energy than products because energy is released to form the products.
An exothermic reaction has reactants that are higher in energy than products because energy is absorbed to form the products.
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Answered by
GPT-5 mini
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The correct choice is the first one.
Explanation: On a potential-energy diagram ΔH = H_products − H_reactants.
- If products are higher in energy than reactants (ΔH > 0) the reaction is endothermic — energy is absorbed to form the products.
- If products are lower in energy than reactants (ΔH < 0) the reaction is exothermic — energy is released when products form.
(Activation energy is shown by the peak of the curve and is separate from ΔH.)
Explanation: On a potential-energy diagram ΔH = H_products − H_reactants.
- If products are higher in energy than reactants (ΔH > 0) the reaction is endothermic — energy is absorbed to form the products.
- If products are lower in energy than reactants (ΔH < 0) the reaction is exothermic — energy is released when products form.
(Activation energy is shown by the peak of the curve and is separate from ΔH.)
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