If the energy level of the products is higher than that of the reactants is the reaction endothermic or exothermic?

1 Answer
Dec 13, 2016

If the products have a higher energy level than the reactants then the reaction is endothermic.

Explanation:

In an endothermic reaction, the reaction mixture absorbs heat from the surroundings. Therefore, the products will have a higher energy than the reactants and #Delta"H"# will be positive.

In an exothermic reaction, the reaction mixture releases heat to the surroundings. Therefore, the products will have a lower energy than the reactants and #Delta"H"# will be negative.