Question

According to the graph below, is heat energy being released or absorbed

during this chemical reaction?

a. Absorbed, because the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the
products.
b. Released, because the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the
products.
c. Absorbed, because the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the
products.
d. Released, because the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the
products.

Answer 1

Based on the provided descriptions, an exothermic reaction is indicated when the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the products, which results in energy being released. The correct answer is b. Released, because the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the products.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of energy changes in chemical reactions, the proper interpretation of the graph would depend on the relative energy levels of the reactants and products. If the energy of the reactants is higher than that of the products, the reaction typically releases energy, making it exothermic. Conversely, if the energy of the reactants is lower, then energy must be absorbed for the reaction to occur, indicating an endothermic reaction.

According to the information provided, and assuming the graph shows the energy of the reactants being lower than that of the products, the correct answer to the student's question is:
Released, because the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the products. This suggests that the reaction is exothermic, as energy is released when the reactants convert to products.

Answer 2

Heat energy is absorbed during an endothermic reaction when the energy of reactants is lower than the products. Conversely, heat energy is released during an exothermic reaction when the energy of reactants is higher than the energy of the products.

If the energy of the reactants is lower than the energy of the products, the reaction must absorb energy to proceed, which makes it an endothermic reaction. This corresponds with option a, which suggests that heat energy is being absorbed during the chemical reaction because the energy of the reactants is lower than that of the products.

However, if the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the products, then the chemical reaction releases energy, typically in the form of heat, and this is characteristic of an exothermic reaction. This situation aligns with option d, wherein heat is released because the energy of the reactants is higher than the energy of the products.