A solid is produced. Energy is released. Energy is absorbed. Equal numbers of molecules are on both sides of the arrow.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: Which of the statements is the most accurate in describing the chemical equation shown below? 2H_{2}(g) + O_{2}(g) -> 2H_{2}O(g) + energy

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- A solid is produced.
- Energy is released.
- Energy is absorbed.
- Equal numbers of molecules are on both sides of the arrow.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

Energy is released.