Question

Describe how the curve will look if the reaction was exothermic. Be sure to mention changes in the potential energies of the reactants and products and the sign changes of the enthalpy.

Answer 1

In the previous session, we have determined that this is an Endothermic reaction, which presents an input of energy for the reaction to occur, and more enthalpy on the products side than the reactants side. For an Exothermic reaction, what we need is exactly the opposite, the sign will be Negative, and we will have a release of energy, and not an input of energy. The enthalpy of the reactants will be higher than the enthalpy of the products, and the graph will look the complete opposite of what we have.