Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the difference between an exothermic reaction and an exergonic reaction?
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8. Thermochemistry
Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
Multiple Choice
What happens to the energy released by an exothermic reaction?
A
It remains stored within the products.
B
It is converted entirely into chemical potential energy.
C
It is absorbed by the reactants, causing them to cool down.
D
It is transferred to the surroundings, usually as heat.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an exothermic reaction is one that releases energy to its surroundings during the chemical process.
Recall that energy in chemical reactions can be stored as chemical potential energy within bonds or transferred as heat, light, or other forms.
Recognize that in an exothermic reaction, the products have lower chemical potential energy than the reactants, so the excess energy must go somewhere.
Know that this excess energy is transferred to the surroundings, most commonly as heat, which can increase the temperature of the surroundings.
Therefore, the energy released by an exothermic reaction does not remain stored in the products or reactants but is transferred out to the environment.
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