Which of the following statements is true for all exergonic reactions?

• A. The products have more total energy than the reactants.
• B. The reaction proceeds with a net loss of free energy.
• C. The reaction goes only in a forward direction: all reactants will be converted to products.
• D. A net input of energy from the surroundings is required for the reactions to proceed.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an exergonic reaction: An exergonic reaction is a chemical reaction where the change in the free energy is negative, indicating that energy is released during the reaction.
2. Analyze the statement 'The products have more total energy than the reactants': In exergonic reactions, the products have less energy than the reactants because energy is released, making this statement false.
3. Evaluate the statement 'The reaction proceeds with a net loss of free energy': This is true for exergonic reactions as they release energy, resulting in a net loss of free energy.
4. Consider the statement 'The reaction goes only in a forward direction: all reactants will be converted to products': Exergonic reactions are spontaneous but do not necessarily convert all reactants to products, so this statement is not universally true.
5. Examine the statement 'A net input of energy from the surroundings is required for the reactions to proceed': This describes endergonic reactions, not exergonic ones, making this statement false for exergonic reactions.