Asked by cool boy

What determines whether a chemical reaction will release energy to its surroundings or absorb energy from its surroundings?

(1 point)
Responses

The total number of atoms involved in the chemical reaction.
The total number of atoms involved in the chemical reaction.

The initial temperature of the reactants before the reaction starts.
The initial temperature of the reactants before the reaction starts.

The net energy change from breaking bonds and forming new bonds.
The net energy change from breaking bonds and forming new bonds.

The physical state of the products after the reaction finishes.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The net energy change from breaking bonds and forming new bonds.

Breaking bonds absorbs energy, forming bonds releases energy; if more energy is released than absorbed the reaction is exothermic (releases heat), otherwise it is endothermic (absorbs heat).