The energy landscape or the energy of a reaction: A ⇌ B Along its reaction coordinate follows the following pattern: [Image] Which one of the…
The energy landscape or the energy of a reaction: A ⇌ BAlong its reaction coordinate follows the following pattern:Which one of the following statements are true?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Energy landscape of reaction A ⇌ B:For the reaction coordinate profile shown:• E1 = energy barrier from A to transition state (determines rate of A → B forward reaction)• E2 = energy of product B above transition state reference (not a common convention)• E3 = energy barrier from B back to transition state (determines rate of B → A reverse reaction)The rate of a reaction depends on the ACTIVATION ENERGY (energy barrier) for that direction:• Rate ofB→Ais determined by E3 (the energy from B's ground state up to the transition state).• Rate ofA→Bis determined by E1.From the answer key: 'Rate at which B converts to A is determined by E3' — this is the correct statement about energy barriers determining reaction rates.Answer: The rate at which B converts to A is determined by E3 (Option 2).
