Question

Describe the relative energy levels and stability of the reactants and products.

A) The reactants have lower energy and higher stability than the products.
B) The reactants have higher energy and lower stability than the products.
C) The reactants and products have equal energy and stability.
D) The energy levels and stability cannot be determined.

Answer 1

In most chemical reactions, the reactants have higher energy and lower stability than the products.

Step-by-step explanation:

In most chemical reactions, the reactants have higher energy and lower stability than the products. Reactant molecules need to absorb energy to overcome the activation energy barrier and reach the transition state, which is at a higher energy level than the reactants. From the transition state, the reaction proceeds to form the products, which are at a lower energy level and higher stability compared to the reactants.