Why is enthalpy sometimes assigned a negative

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Enthalpy change (ΔH) is a measure of the heat absorbed or released in a chemical reaction at constant pressure.

A negative enthalpy change (ΔH < 0) means the reaction is exothermic.

Exothermic reactions release heat to the surroundings.

Therefore, enthalpy is assigned a negative value when heat is released, indicating an exothermic process.