Question

For an exothermic reaction, what would the potential energy diagram most likely look like?

a curve with a negative slope indicating that the activation energy has a negative value

a curve indicating that the potential energy of the products is higher than the reactants

a curve indicating that the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the products

a curve indicating that the amount of energy absorbed during the reaction is high

Answer 1

@JoannaBlackwelder ?

Answer 2

Do you have any ideas?

Answer 3

yes. This is what i believe it is a curve with a negative slope indicating that the activation energy has a negative value

Answer 4

I don't think so. Here is a pic. http://www.chemistrylecturenotes.com/html/potential_energy_diagram__exot.html

Answer 5

The slope of the curve isn't always negative.

Answer 6

curve indicating that the potential energy of the reactants is higher than the products is what your going for ?

Answer 7

You got it. :)

Answer 8

Joanna I just came to tell you, nice username.

Answer 9

thank you!!

Answer 10

No worries. :)

Answer 11

And thanks, @spray_N_Pray. I like it. :)

Answer 12

You need to add energy to break down the bonds before energy is released to form bonds.

P.E is stored energy, bonds take up activation energy to start the reaction.
if the reaction is exothermic, the system from higher intial to a lower final potential (products). slope here is not negative its increasing first and then decreasing.
Reactants

Answer 13

Ah, that you so so so much for that !!

Answer 14

@superhelp101 if you would like to get more help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48pySSbamIg check this out! :)

Answer 15

your most welcome :)

Answer 16

I'll watch it thanks!