Question

How does the potential energy of the reactants compare to the potential energy of the products in an exothermic reaction, and where does the energy that is given off come from? Explain your answer in complete sentences. My reactants were Baking Soda and Vinegar.

Answer 1

The potential energy in reactants is higher than the potential energy of products in an exothermic reaction. Since energy is given off, the products are lower in energy than the reactants. The energy that is given off is a result of the formation of new bonds.

Answer 2

Answer: Potential energy of products is less than the potential energy of the reactants.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exothermic reactions are defined as the reactions which releases heat. The release in heat is due to the difference in the potential energy of the reactants and the products.

For these reactions, the potential energy of the products is less than the potential energy of the reactants. Total enthalpy change of the reaction is given by the equation:

`\Delta H_(rxn)=\sum H_(products)-\sum H_(reactants)`

For exothermic reaction,
`\Delta H_(rxn)` is negative.

For the reaction of baking soda and vinegar, the equation follows:

`NaHCO_3+CH_3COOH\rightarrow CH_3COONa+CO_2+H_2O+\text{ energy}`

As, the energy is written at the product side, this means that the reaction between baking soda an=d vinegar is an exothermic reaction.