During a chemical reaction, what role does energy play?

Energy plays a crucial role in chemical reactions and can indeed be either consumed or released depending on the nature of the reaction. In exothermic reactions, energy is released into the surroundings, typically in the form of heat, which increases the temperature of the surrounding environment. This occurs because the energy required to break bonds in the reactants is less than the energy released when new bonds form in the products.

Conversely, in endothermic reactions, energy is absorbed from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature of the environment. This type of reaction requires energy input to break strong bonds in the reactants, and this energy must be supplied from an external source, like heat or light.

Thus, energy’s role in a chemical reaction is dynamic, allowing it to act as energy can flow into or out of the system as bonds are broken and formed. This variability is what underscores that energy can be absorbed or released in reactions, making the conclusion that energy may be consumed or released perfectly accurate.