An arrow with labels "4 (C-H)" and "2 (O=O)" leads from the first to the second equation. This transition is a gain of potential energy.
C + 4H + 4O is the second equation.
An arrow with labels "2 (C=O)" and "4 (O-H)" leads from the second to the third equation. This transition is a loss of potential energy.
CO2 + 2H2O is the third equation.
The statements above show that the potential energy of the products is lower than the potential energy of the reactants. Which type of reaction is shown?
A. This is an exothermic reaction because the reactants have more energy than the products
B. This is an endothermic reaction because the reactants have more energy than the products
C. This is an endothermic reaction because the reactants have less energy than the products.
D. This is an exothermic reaction because the reactants have less energy than the products.
1 answer
The scenario you described indicates that the potential energy of the products (CO2 and 2H2O) is lower than that of the reactants (CH4 and O2). This means that energy is released during the reaction, which is characteristic of exothermic reactions.
Given this information, the correct answer is:
A. This is an exothermic reaction because the reactants have more energy than the products.
