In an exothermic reaction, the energy stored in the chemical bonds of the reactants is
a) equal to the energy stored in the bonds of the products
b) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products
c) less than the energy stored in the bonds of the products
d) less than the heat released

option B) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products.


Justification:


1) In an exothermic reaction, energy is released to the surroundings as product of the reaction.


2) By an energy balance (convervation of energy), you get:

Chemical energy of the reactants = chemical energy of the products + E

Since, E >0 (exothermic reaction),


chemical energy of the reactants - chemical energy of the products > 0

And finally: chemical energy of the reactants > chemical energy of the products.

Also, you need to know that chemical energy is a kind of potential energy; it is the energy stored in the bonds of the compounds.

So, the answer is the energy stored the bonds of the reactants is greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products (option B.)

option B) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products.


Justification:


1) In an exothermic reaction, energy is released to the surroundings as product of the reaction.


2) By an energy balance (convervation of energy), you get:

Chemical energy of the reactants = chemical energy of the products + E

Since, E >0 (exothermic reaction),


chemical energy of the reactants - chemical energy of the products > 0

And finally: chemical energy of the reactants > chemical energy of the products.

Also, you need to know that chemical energy is a kind of potential energy; it is the energy stored in the bonds of the compounds.

So, the answer is the energy stored the bonds of the reactants is greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products (option B.)