The chemical equation for a reaction between nitrogen and oxygen is shown.

N2 + O2 → 2NO

The energy diagram for the reaction is shown in the image.

An Energy Diagram is shown. The y axis is labeled Chemical potential energy. They x axis is labeled Direction of reaction. A line starts about halfway up the y axis and runs parallel to the x axis, the line segment is labeled Reactants. The line then slopes upwards to a point closer to the end of the y axis, then again runs parallel to the x axis, this line segment is labeled Products.


Periodic Table

Based on the diagram, which statement best describes the energy change during the reaction?
A. Energy is absorbed during the reaction because less energy is required to break the bonds than to form new bonds.
B. Energy is released during the reaction because more energy is required to break the bonds than to form new bonds.
C. Energy is released during the reaction because the bond energy of the reactants is lower than the bond energy of the products.
D. Energy is absorbed during the reaction because the bond energy of the reactants is higher than the bond energy of the products.