A beaker containing a chemical reaction feels hot to the touch. According to the law of conservation of energy, what best predicts the stability of the products? 1. If the reactants absorbed thermal energy when they reacted, the products must have more energy. The products will be more stable.

2. If the reactants absorbed thermal energy when they reacted, the products must have more energy. The products will be less stable.

3. If the reactants absorbed thermal energy when they reacted, the products must have more energy. The products will be less stable.

4. If the reactants released thermal energy when they reacted, they must have lost an equal amount of potential energy. The products will be less stable.