Question

which statement most accurately explains why atp hydrolysis is highly exergonic? see section 8.2. atp contains the carbohydrate ribose which stores a large amount of chemical energy. there is a large drop in potential energy because charge repulsion is reduced. there is a large increase in potential energy because charge repulsion is reduced. energy is released when a phosphate group is added.

Explanation:

ATP hydrolysis is exergonic (releases energy). Ribose in ATP doesn't store large energy. When ATP hydrolyzes (loses a phosphate), negative - charge repulsion (between phosphate groups in ATP) is reduced. This leads to a drop in potential energy (energy is released). Adding a phosphate (opposite of hydrolysis) would require energy (endergonic), not release it.

Answer:

There is a large drop in potential energy because charge repulsion is reduced.