For an exothermic reaction, which of the following conditions must be true for all products?

The change in enthalpy is positive and potential energy diagram is higher.

The change in enthalpy is negative and potential energy diagram is higher.

The change in enthalpy is positive and potential energy diagram is lower.

The change in enthalpy is negative and potential energy diagram is lower.

Question

For an exothermic reaction, which of the following conditions must be true for all products?

 The change in enthalpy is positive and potential energy diagram is higher.

 The change in enthalpy is negative and potential energy diagram is higher.

 The change in enthalpy is positive and potential energy diagram is lower.

 The change in enthalpy is negative and potential energy diagram is lower.

anonymous · Answer

The fourth is correct. Since exothermic. the system would give off heat (signified by the negative sign) then since it released ebnergy na, the compounds would have lower energies in themselves :)