For the elementary process N2O5(g) → 2NO2(g) + NO3(g), the activation energy (Ea) and overall ΔE are 154 kJ/mol and 136 kJ/mol, respectively. (a) Sketch the energy profile for this reaction, and label Ea and ΔE.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the energy profile of a chemical reaction. An energy profile is a graph that shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction. The y-axis represents the potential energy, while the x-axis represents the reaction progress.

Step 2: Identify the key components to be labeled on the energy profile. For this reaction, you need to label the activation energy (Ea) and the overall change in energy (ΔE).

Step 3: Draw the energy profile. Start by drawing a curve that begins at the energy level of the reactants (N2O5) and ends at the energy level of the products (2NO2 + NO3).

Step 4: Label the activation energy (Ea). The activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed. It is represented by the peak of the curve minus the energy level of the reactants.

Step 5: Label the overall change in energy (ΔE). This is the difference in energy between the products and the reactants. Since ΔE is positive, the products are at a higher energy level than the reactants, indicating an endothermic reaction.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Activation Energy (Ea)

Activation energy (Ea) is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It represents the energy barrier that reactants must overcome to transform into products. In the context of the given reaction, Ea is 154 kJ/mol, indicating the energy needed to initiate the conversion of N2O5 to products.

Enthalpy Change (ΔE)

The enthalpy change (ΔE) of a reaction is the difference in energy between the reactants and products. It indicates whether a reaction is exothermic (releases energy) or endothermic (absorbs energy). For the given reaction, ΔE is 136 kJ/mol, suggesting that the products have lower energy than the reactants, thus releasing energy during the process.

Energy Profile Diagram

An energy profile diagram visually represents the energy changes during a chemical reaction. It typically shows the energy of reactants, the peak representing the transition state (where activation energy is reached), and the energy of products. In this case, the diagram will illustrate the activation energy and the overall enthalpy change, providing insight into the reaction's energetics.

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Textbook Question

(a) The activation energy for the isomerization of methyl isonitrile (Figure 14.6) is 160 kJ>mol. Calculate the fraction of methyl isonitrile molecules that has an energy equal to or greater than the activation energy at 500 K. (b) Calculate this fraction for a temperature of 520 K. What is the ratio of the fraction at 520 K to that at 500 K?

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Textbook Question

The gas-phase reaction Cl(g) + HBr(g) → HCl(g) + Br(g) has an overall energy change of -66 kJ. The activation energy for the reaction is 7 kJ. (a) Sketch the energy profile for the reaction, and label Ea and ΔE.

Textbook Question

The gas-phase reaction Cl(g) + HBr(g) → HCl(g) + Br(g) has an overall energy change of -66 kJ. The activation energy for the reaction is 7 kJ. (b) What is the activation energy for the reverse reaction?

Textbook Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false. (c) Increasing the reaction temperature increases the fraction of successful collisions between reactants.

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Textbook Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false. (a) If you measure the rate constant for a reaction at different temperatures, you can calculate the overall enthalpy change for the reaction.

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Textbook Question

Indicate whether each statement is true or false. (b) Exothermic reactions are faster than endothermic reactions.