Chapter 6, Problem 31P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The point on the graph corresponding the reactants needs to be indicated.

Concept introduction:

In chemistry, reactants are the raw chemical substances which are involvedin a chemical reaction at the beginning. An energy diagram shows the energy changes which occurs during a chemical reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The point on the graph corresponding to the products needs to be indicated.

Concept introduction:

In a chemical reaction, products are the final chemical substances which form at the end of a chemical reaction. An energy diagram shows the energy changes which occur during a chemical reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The transition state on the graph needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Transition state is the state relevant to the highest energy through the reaction coordinate. So, these transition states are shown as the highest peaks in the energy diagram.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

The energy gap between the reactant and the transition state in the graph needs to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Activation energy of a reactionis the amount of energy that must be provided to start a chemical reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

(e)

Interpretation:

The energy difference between reactants and products should be considered.

Concept introduction:

Enthalpy ( $\Delta H)$ of a reaction is the energy change occurs in the system, during the particular reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

(f)

Interpretation:

The highest energy peak position present in the reaction coordinate should be selected.

Concept introduction:

Highest energy position in the reaction coordinate is represented by the highest energy, least stable chemical species form in the reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

(g)

Interpretation:

The lowest energy position, the exothermic/endothermic nature of the reaction should be considered.

Concept introduction:

In an exothermic reaction heat is released thus, the energy of product is lower than that of reactant. On the other hand, in an endothermic reaction heat is absorbed thus, the energy of product is higher than that of reactant.