Consider an endothermic reaction with activation energies and for the backward and forward reactions — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
Consider an endothermic reaction $X \rightarrow Y$ with activation energies $E_b$ and $E_f$ for the backward and forward reactions, respectively. Which of the following relationships is generally true?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
In an energy profile diagram, the enthalpy change of the reaction is given by $\Delta H = E_f - E_b$. For an endothermic reaction, the energy of the products is higher than the energy of the reactants, meaning $\Delta H$ is positive ($+ve$). Therefore, $E_f - E_b > 0$, which implies $E_b < E_f$.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes