Interpreting Potential Energy Diagrams

Front

What is a potential energy diagram?

Back

A graphical representation showing the change in potential energy of a system as reactants are converted into products.

Front

What does PE_react represent in a potential energy diagram?

Back

The potential energy of the reactants before a chemical reaction occurs.

Front

What does PE_prod represent in a potential energy diagram?

Back

The potential energy of the products after a chemical reaction has occurred.

Front

What does PE_AC represent in a potential energy diagram?

Back

The potential energy at the activation complex, the highest point in the diagram where reactants are transformed into products.

Front

How do you calculate activation energy (E_a)?

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E_a = PE_AC - PE_reac.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to undergo a chemical change.

Front

What does a higher activation energy indicate about a reaction?

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It indicates that the reaction is slower, as more energy is required to initiate it.

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What is the significance of the difference between PE_react and PE_prod?

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It indicates whether the reaction is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy).

Front

In an exothermic reaction, how do the potential energies of reactants and products compare?

Back

PE_react is greater than PE_prod.

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In an endothermic reaction, how do the potential energies of reactants and products compare?

Back

PE_react is less than PE_prod.