Final answer:
The main difference is that exergonic reactions release energy with a negative ΔG and are spontaneous, while endergonic reactions absorb energy with a positive ΔG and are non-spontaneous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between an exergonic reaction and an endergonic reaction is related to the changes in Gibbs free energy and the overall energy flow of the reaction. An exergonic reaction is characterized by the release of energy and has a negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), indicating that the products have less free energy than the reactants. These reactions are considered spontaneous. In contrast, an endergonic reaction involves the absorption of energy, with a positive ΔG, meaning the reactants require an input of energy for the reaction to proceed, resulting in products with higher energy than the reactants. Both exergonic and endergonic reactions require a small initial energy input known as the activation energy.