The enthalpy of formation of water is –285.8 kj/mol. what can be inferred from this statement?
a. the enthalpy of the products is equal to the enthalpy of the reactants.
b. heat is absorbed during the process.
c. heat is released during the process.
d. the enthalpy of the products is more than the enthalpy of the reactants.

The negative enthalpy of formation of water infers that heat is released during the process.

Option C

Explanation:

Enthalpy is the measure of internal energy of the system with pressure and volume. And Enthalpy of formations are the measure of change in enthalpy occurred during the formation of products from its elements.

The enthalpy of formation can be defined as the change in enthalpy required to form 1 mole of products from its element. Thus it can be either negative value or positive value. So if the enthalpy of formation is negative that means the heat is released during the process.