CH4 + 2 O2 --> CO2 + 2 H2O + heat
This reaction is exothermic because more energy is released when the products bond than is required to break the bonds of the reactants.
The potential energy of the products (not including the heat) is lower than the reactants, but how can this be the case if the bonds of the products are stronger, meaning they would require more energy to break. Like, if the reaction were flipped, would it not take a large amount of energy to break the bonds? Would that not mean that the potential energy of the products is higher?
It makes sense that products (not including the heat) have less energy than reactants for exothermic reactions because some of that energy is lost to the heat, but wouldn't that also mean that the bonds are weaker too?
Thanks!
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