Interpreting reaction energy profile statements

Steps:

• Identify overall energy change: products lower than reactants, indicating exothermic reaction (statement 4 correct).
• Compare routes: both start and end at same levels, yielding identical net reaction (statement 2 correct).
• Evaluate bond energies: exothermic means energy released exceeds energy absorbed, so statement 1 is false (opposite of diagram).
• Check route 2: lower activation energy but no evidence of catalyst; it's an alternative pathway, not catalyzed (statement 3 false).

Why C is correct:

• C selects 2 and 4, matching the diagram's identical overall equations and negative ΔH for exothermic reaction.

Why the others are wrong:

• A includes false statements 1 and 3.
• B selects only false statement 1.
• D includes false statement 3.

Final answer: C