The enthalpy change for a reaction, ΔH, is negative. What does this indicate about the chemical potential energy of the system before and after the reaction?

Question

Chemistry

Heaven Rice

27 January, 12:01

The enthalpy change for a reaction, ΔH, is negative. What does this indicate about the chemical potential energy of the system before and after the reaction?

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Karla Nixon · Answer 1

Negative change in enthalpy for a reaction means the reaction is exothermic, (releases energy).

Therefore the reactants (before, things that combine in rxn.) are higher in potential energy than the products (after, result of rxn).