In an exothermic reaction, the total chemical potential energy of the reactants is greater than that of the products. This is because energy is released during the reaction, typically as heat, indicating that the products are at a lower energy state compared to the reactants.
Given this, the correct statement about the reaction:
The total chemical potential energy of the reactants is greater than the total chemical potential energy of the products.
This statement accurately reflects the nature of exothermic reactions, where the products have less energy than the reactants after the reaction occurs.