Potential Energy diagrams

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. It can be converted into kinetic energy.

Front

What is a Potential Energy Diagram?

Back

A Potential Energy Diagram is a graphical representation that shows the potential energy of a system as a function of the reaction coordinate.

Front

What does ΔH represent in a reaction?

Back

ΔH represents the change in enthalpy (heat content) of a reaction, indicating whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic.

Front

What is an Exothermic Reaction?

Back

An Exothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy in the form of heat, resulting in a negative ΔH.

Front

What is an Endothermic Reaction?

Back

An Endothermic Reaction is a chemical reaction that absorbs energy from its surroundings, resulting in a positive ΔH.

Front

What is Activation Energy?

Back

Activation Energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur, represented as the energy barrier that must be overcome.

Front

What is the Activated Complex?

Back

The Activated Complex is a temporary, unstable arrangement of atoms that occurs during the transition state of a reaction.

Front

How is the Activation Energy represented in a Potential Energy Diagram?

Back

In a Potential Energy Diagram, Activation Energy is represented by the height of the energy barrier from the reactants to the activated complex.

Front

What is the significance of the peak in a Potential Energy Diagram?

Back

The peak in a Potential Energy Diagram represents the Activated Complex, where the potential energy is at its maximum.

Front

What does a negative ΔH indicate about a reaction?

Back

A negative ΔH indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat to the surroundings.