Which answer best describes the potential energy diagram for a reaction that takes place in water, if the temperature of the surrounding water is lowered? a. the potential energy of the reactants is low; the potential energy increases gradually; it peaks, then decreases slightly. b. the potential energy of the reactants is high; the potential energy decreases gradually; then increases slightly. c. the potential energy of the reactants is low; the potential energy remains low; rapidly peaks, then rapidly falls. d. the potential energy of the reactants is low; the potential energy decreases gradually; then increases slightly.

d. the potential energy of the reactants is low; the potential energy decreases gradually; then increases slightly.

Explanation:

Potential energy is the term that refers to the energy stored in a body, which can be used for several different things, even if transformed into other types of energy, depending on the need that that body presents at the moment. If the body needs to move, for example, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. If the body needs to heat up or cool down, the potential energy turns into thermal energy.

Based on this, we can conclude what happens to the potential energy of a reaction that occurs in water, when the temperature of the surrounding water is reduced. If the temperature is reduced, it means that the water is losing energy and the potential energy of the reagents is low; as a result, the potential energy gradually decreases; then it increases a little.