Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
It is generally true that when the potential energy of the products of a reaction is higher than the potential energy of the reactants, the reaction is less stable and less likely to occur spontaneously. This is because potential energy is a measure of the stored energy of a system, and when the potential energy of the products is higher than the reactants, it means that more energy is being stored in the products than in the reactants. This excess of energy makes the products less stable and more reactive, as they are seeking to release the excess energy and return to a more stable state.
On the other hand, when the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products, the reaction is more stable and more likely to occur spontaneously. This is because the reactants have more potential energy, meaning that they are more reactive and seeking to release that energy in order to return to a more stable state. The products, on the other hand, have lower potential energy and are more stable, so the reaction is more likely to occur as the reactants seek to release their excess energy and reach a lower energy state.
Overall, the stability of a reaction depends on the relative potential energies of the reactants and products, with reactions being more stable when the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products.