Question

In an exothermic the change in enthalpy is usually

Positive, because the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products
Neutral, because the potential energy of the products and reactants cancel each other out.
Negative, because the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products
Positive, because the potential energy of the reactants is lower than the potential energy of the products

Answer 1

Negative, because the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products

Step-by-step explanation:

Exothermic reaction is a reaction in which heat is released to surrounding. This is due to the fact that the heat content of the reactant is higher than the heat content of product thus producing a negative enthalpy change (ΔH) i.e

Enthalpy change = Heat of product – Heat of reactant

ΔH = Hp – Hr = negative

Considering the options given in the question above, the correct answer is:

Negative, because the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the potential energy of the products