/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 114 What does the activation energy ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 16: Problem 114

What does the activation energy for a reaction represent? How is the activation energy related to whether a collision between molecules is successful?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The activation energy represents the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It determines the likelihood of a successful collision between molecules, as a reaction can only occur if the molecules' kinetic energy is equal to or greater than the activation energy. A higher activation energy reduces the likelihood of a successful collision, while a lower activation energy increases it. Catalysts can lower the activation energy, and increasing the temperature can increase the number of successful collisions by raising the kinetic energy of molecules.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Activation Energy

The activation energy refers to the minimum quantity of energy that the reacting species must possess in order to undergo a specified reaction. In other words, it's the energy required to start a chemical reaction.
02

Relation of Activation Energy to a Successful Reaction

A successful collision between molecules which leads to a reaction only occurs if the kinetic energy of the molecules is equal to or greater than the activation energy. The larger the activation energy, the less likely a collision will result in a reaction because fewer molecules will have the necessary energy. Conversely, a lower activation energy means that more molecules will have the required kinetic energy, increasing the chances of a successful reaction.
03

Role of Catalysts in Activation Energy

Catalysts are substances that lower the activation energy of a reaction. They work by providing a different path with a lower activation energy for the reaction. This allows more collisions to result in a reaction, thereby speeding up the reaction rate.
04

Temperature Impact on Activation Energy

Increasing the temperature, typically, increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, which increases the number of molecules that have enough energy to exceed the activation energy. Therefore, increasing the temperature generally increases the rate of reaction due to a greater probability of successful collisions. Through this explanation, you should now have a solid understanding of what activation energy represents and how it relates to a successful collision between molecules during a reaction.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How does equilibrium represent the balancing of opposing processes? Give an example of an "equilibrium" encountered in everyday life, showing how the processes involved oppose each other.

For the reaction system $$4 \mathrm{NH}_{3}(g)+5 \mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \rightleftharpoons 4 \mathrm{NO}(g)+6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g)$$ which has already reached a state of equilibrium, predict the effect that each of the following changes will have on the position of the equilibrium. Tell whether the equilibrium will shift to the right, will shift to the left, or will not be affected. a. The pressure of oxygen is increased by injecting one additional mole of oxygen into the reaction vessel. b. A desiccant (a material that absorbs water) is added to the system. c. The system is compressed and the ammonia liquefies.

What is a catalyst? How does a catalyst speed up a reaction?

According to Le Ch芒telier's principle, when a large excess of a gaseous reactant is added to a reaction system at equilibrium, the amounts of products ____.

A ____ speeds up a reaction without being consumed.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.