Question

What energy is stored in the reactants of an exothermic reaction before they are mixed?

1) Potential energy
2) Kinetic energy
3) Chemical energy
4) Thermal energy

Answer 1

In an exothermic reaction, the energy stored in the reactants before they are mixed is chemical energy. When the reaction occurs, this potential energy is released as thermal energy (heat) and/or kinetic energy (motion).

Step-by-step explanation:

In an exothermic reaction, the energy stored in the reactants before they are mixed is chemical energy. Chemical energy is a type of potential energy that is stored in the chemical bonds of a compound. When the reaction occurs, this potential energy is released as thermal energy (heat) and/or kinetic energy (motion).