Multiple Choice
Which of the following processes is represented by an energy diagram where the products have lower energy than the reactants?
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15. Chemical Kinetics
Energy Diagrams
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In an energy-profile graph, the activated complex is represented at the:
A
midpoint between reactants and products
B
starting energy level of the reactants
C
ending energy level of the products
D
highest point of the curve
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that an energy-profile graph (reaction coordinate diagram) shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction, plotting energy on the y-axis and reaction progress on the x-axis.
Identify that the reactants start at a certain energy level on the left side of the graph, and the products end at a different energy level on the right side.
Recognize that the activated complex (or transition state) corresponds to the highest energy point along the reaction path, representing the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed.
Note that this highest point is not simply the midpoint between reactants and products, nor is it at the starting or ending energy levels, but rather at the peak of the curve.
Conclude that the activated complex is represented at the highest point of the curve on the energy-profile graph, indicating the maximum potential energy during the reaction.
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