When H2 and CO2 react, acetic acid can be formed spontaneously while the production of formaldehyde requires an input of energy. Which of these conclusions can be drawn from this observation? a. More heat is released when formaldehyde is produced compared to the production of acetic acid. b.Compared to the reactants that it is formed from, formaldehyde has more potential energy than does acetic acid. c. Entropy decreases when acetic acid is produced and increases when formaldehyde is produced. d. Only acetic acid could be produced under conditions that existed in early Earth.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key reaction: Acetic acid forms spontaneously, while formaldehyde formation requires energy input.
2. Analyze spontaneity: A spontaneous reaction indicates that the products have lower potential energy than the reactants, implying acetic acid has lower potential energy than the reactants.
3. Evaluate potential energy: If formaldehyde requires energy input to form, it must have higher potential energy than its reactants, unlike acetic acid.
4. Consider entropy: Acetic acid forms without energy input, typically associated with an increase in entropy, while energy input for formaldehyde suggests a decrease in entropy.
5. Draw conclusion: Since formaldehyde has more potential energy than acetic acid, the correct answer is b.