What does a negative Delta H indicate?

A negative Delta H indicates that the enthalpy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, meaning that during the process, energy is released. This release of energy is typically in the form of heat, which characterizes an exothermic reaction. In practical terms, when a chemical reaction has a negative Delta H, it suggests that the system is losing energy to its surroundings, which can often result in an increase in temperature of the surrounding environment.

In contrast, an endothermic process would involve a positive Delta H, where the system absorbs energy. Equilibrium refers to a state where the forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates, not necessarily related to Delta H's sign. Spontaneity of a process is also a separate concept, influenced by both enthalpy and entropy. Thus, the correct interpretation of a negative Delta H is that the process releases energy.