138k views
5 votes
A scientist is studying a chemical reaction. She predicts that after the reaction the product will have less chemical potential energy than the reactants had originally. The scientist observes the reaction, and notes that no light or sound is produced. However, other observations support the scientist's prediction that the total chemical potential energy has decreased. DESCRIBE one observation that would support her prediction:

1 Answer

3 votes
Hello!

A reaction where the products have less chemical potential energy than the reactants had originally is called an exothermic reaction. Although the scientist didn't observe light or sound, an observation that would support her prediction is the rise in temperature after the reaction has completed. Exothermic reactions release energy in the form of heat, and the temperature would rise in an exothermic reaction.

Have a nice day!
User Vargonian
by
7.8k points