Exothermic reactions

[Halcyon32]

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In an exothermic reaction, does the negative energy value of enthalpy represent an amount of energy not at all used in the reaction so its released into the surroundings. sort of like an excess amount of energy?

 

[Cawolf]

An exothermic reaction releases energy when it occurs, there is no net consumption of energy.

The products contain less energy than the reactants so the system (reaction) releases energy to the surroundings.

 

[Halcyon32]

That makes sense. Thanks a lot!