Question

Describe how you would use the information depicted in the potential energy diagram below to determine the enthalphy change of the reaction and if the reaction is endothermic or exothermic?

Answer 1

When the formation of a substance is negative, it means that it releases heat to the surroundings. When it releases heat to the surroundings, the reaction is exothermic. When it absorbs heat from the surroundings, the reaction is endothermic.