Chemistry – Chemical energetics - Exothermic and endothermic reactions | e-Consult

(a) The main pathway represents an exothermic reaction. This is because the energy level of the products is lower than the energy level of the reactants. Exothermic reactions release heat into the surroundings, resulting in a negative enthalpy change (ΔH

(b) The energy difference between the reactants and products represents the enthalpy change of the reaction (ΔH). It indicates the amount of energy released or absorbed during the reaction.

(c) The reaction is exothermic. This is because the products have a lower energy level than the reactants, indicating that energy is released during the reaction. The enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative.