How can the chemical potential energy in an endothermic reaction best be described? (1 point) Reactants have higher chemical potential energy than products. Products have higher chemical potential energy than reactants. Product and reactant chemical potential energy varies in different environments.
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In an endothermic reaction, the products indeed have a higher chemical potential energy than the reactants. This is because energy is absorbed from the surroundings during the reaction, resulting in products that store more energy than the original reactants. Think of it as a party where guests (reactants) show up with empty plates but leave with a feast (products) that they collected along the way! These reactions are common in nature, such as photosynthesis, where plants absorb sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This energy transformation is crucial for life and shows how the potential energy of products can be harnessed for biological processes, fueling everything from growth to reproduction!