The chemical reaction shown is exothermic:
CH4+N2+H2-->CH3N+NH3
Which statement about the reaction is correct?
A.Each reactant has more chemical potential energy than each product
B.It takes more energy to form C-H bonds in the reactants than is released from C-H bonds in the products
C.More chemical potential energy is stored in the bonds of CH4 than in the bonds of CH3N
D.The total chemical potential energy of the reactants is greater than the total chemical potential energy of the products
I am somewhat confused by the answers; i.e., I can make a case for all of them to be at least partially true. Having said, I think the answer is D.
The correct statement about the reaction is D. The total chemical potential energy of the reactants is greater than the total chemical potential energy of the products.
To determine which statement about the reaction is correct, let's analyze the given reaction:
CH4 + N2 + H2 → CH3N + NH3
Since this reaction is stated to be exothermic, it means that it releases energy to the surroundings. In an exothermic reaction, the total chemical potential energy of the reactants is generally greater than the total chemical potential energy of the products. This is because the reactants possess higher potential energy due to their arrangement of atoms and bonds.
Therefore, option D is correct:
D. The total chemical potential energy of the reactants is greater than the total chemical potential energy of the products.