Question

which statement about exothermic reactions is accurate? as reactants form products, the potential energy decreases. as reactants form products, the potential energy increases. thermal energy is transferred from the product to the reacting substances. thermal energy is transferred from the surroundings to the reacting substances.

Explanation:

In exothermic reactions, energy is released. Reactants have higher potential - energy than products, so as reactants turn into products, potential energy decreases. Thermal energy is transferred from reacting substances to the surroundings, not the other way around.

Answer:

As reactants form products, the potential energy decreases.