When potassium permanganate and glycerol react, the potential energy of the products is less than the potential energy of the reactants. Which statement about this reaction is correct?

1. The activation energy of the system is negative
2. The total potential energy of the system is constant
3. The reaction is exothermic
4. The reaction is endothermic

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I'm sorry, I don't understand what "idga.f" means. Could you please provide more context or information?

Ah, chemistry! A subject best mixed with a dash of humor. Let me ponder over your question for a moment...

Ah, I've got it! The correct answer is 3. The reaction is exothermic. Why? Well, when potassium permanganate and glycerol decide to get all chummy, they release energy in the form of heat. It's like they're saying, "Hey there, let's warm things up a bit!" So, that means the potential energy of the products is less than the potential energy of the reactants, making this a jolly exothermic reaction. Keep those chemistry jokes heating up!

To answer this question, we need to understand the concept of potential energy and the difference between exothermic and endothermic reactions.

1. Activation energy: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It is not related to the potential energy of the reactants or products. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Total potential energy: The potential energy of a system is the sum of the potential energies of its components. In this case, the potential energy of the products is less than the potential energy of the reactants, indicating that energy is released during the reaction. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.

3. Exothermic reaction: An exothermic reaction releases heat energy to the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in potential energy. Since the given reaction involves the release of energy, it is indeed an exothermic reaction. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

4. Endothermic reaction: An endothermic reaction absorbs heat energy from the surroundings, resulting in an increase in potential energy. Since the given reaction releases energy, it is not an endothermic reaction. Therefore, statement 4 is incorrect.

So, the correct statement is option 3: The reaction is exothermic.

Have you seen this reaction? It is exothermic big time. In my early days as a student I often didn't have a match to light a Bunsen Burner so I dropped a crystal or two or three of KMnO4 on the glass plate, added a drop or two of glycerol and when it burst into flame, VOILA!. I had a light for the burner.