In an exothermic reaction, which is greater: the energy released from forming new bonds, or the energy needed to break existing bonds?

In an exothermic reaction, the energy released from forming new bonds is greater than the energy needed to break existing bonds. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy by light or heat. This is the opposite of an endothermic reaction.

2. In an exothermic reaction, the reactants contain more potential energy than the products. This is because energy is released to the surroundings when the reaction occurs.

3. The energy needed to break the bonds in the reactants is less than the energy released when new bonds form in the products.

4. Therefore, in an exothermic reaction, the energy released from forming new bonds is greater than the energy needed to break existing bonds.