In an exothermic reaction, the energy stored in the chemical bonds of the reactants is: (A) less than the energy stored in the bonds of the products. (B) equal to the total amount of energy released. (C) equal to the energy stored in the bonds of the products. (D) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products. My teacher told me it was A because of the idea with energy in - energy out. But when I searched it up, it was explained to be D. Which one is right?

In an exothermic reaction the energy of the reactants bonds has been higher than the energy of the product bonds. Thus, option D is correct.

The exothermic reaction has been given as the chemical reaction in which there has been the liberation of energy by the reactants in the process of formation of products.

The energy change in the reaction has been a negative value. In the process of product formation, the energy of the system has been conserved. It stated that the energy of the reactant has been equivalent to the energy of the product and the liberated energy.

With the product being consisted of less energy, the energy stored by the chemical bonds in the reactants has been higher than the energy stored by the product. Thus, option D is correct.

For more information about the exothermic reaction, refer to the link:

link

(D) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products.

Explanation:

Exothermic reaction refer to those reactions in which energy is released to the surrounding, unlike endothermic reactions where energy is absorbed from the surroundings.

In exothermic reactions, the change in energy; ΔH less than zero. That is, they are negative.

ΔH = H (products) - H (reactants)

For ΔH to have a negative value, it means the energy of reactant must be greater than the energy of products.

This means the correct option is;

(D) greater than the energy stored in the bonds of the products.