Question

Consider the two equations at a particular temperature ;
$2N_2{O}_5\to 4N{O}_2+O_2$

$N_2{O}_5\to 2N{O}_2+\frac{1}{2}{O}_2$

If $E_1$ and $E_2$ represents the activation energy for the first and second reaction respectively then :

• A. $E_1>E_2$
• B. $E_1<E_2$
• C. $E_1=2E_2$
• D. $E_1=E_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $E_1=E_2$

Activation Energy ($E_a$) is defined as the least possible amount of energy (minimum) which is required to start a reaction or the amount of energy available in a chemical system for a reaction to take place.

For a chemical reaction, activation energy remains the same, not dependent on a number of molecules undergoing the reaction.

It is changed by the presence of catalyst. In the given reactions, only the number of molecules has changed. Thus the activation energy will remain the same.

So, the correct answer is option D.