Question

If the graphic representation of the energy levels of the reactants and products in a chemical reaction looks like this.
Which of the following statements are correct?
I. The "a" portion represents the activation energy for the forward reaction.
II. The "b" portion of the graph represents the activation energy for the forward reaction.
III. The "a" portion represents the energy released in the forward reaction.

• A. II only
• B. I and III only
• C. I only
• D. II and III only
• E. None of the above
  

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

I only

The statement I is correct. The statements b and c are incorrect.

I. The "a" portion represents the activation energy for the forward reaction.

II. The "a+b" portion of the graph represents the activation energy for the reverse reaction.

III. The "b" portion represents the energy released in the forward reaction. It is the enthalpy change for the reaction.