the reaction coordinate diagram above is incomplete. assume it has one transition state and it represents…

the reaction coordinate diagram above is incomplete. assume it has one transition state and it represents the reaction a + b → c. also, lets assume the following: 50 particles of a collide with 50 particles of b with 20 kj of energy. 20 particles of a collide with 20 particles of b with 30 kj of energy. if all of the particles of a and b react upon collision, how would you describe the activation energy for the reaction? a the activation energy must be 30 kj or less. b the activation energy must be 20 kj or less. c the activation energy must be more than 30 kj. d the activation energy must be between 20 and 30 kj.

the reaction coordinate diagram above is incomplete. assume it has one transition state and it represents the reaction a + b → c. also, lets assume the following: 50 particles of a collide with 50 particles of b with 20 kj of energy. 20 particles of a collide with 20 particles of b with 30 kj of energy. if all of the particles of a and b react upon collision, how would you describe the activation energy for the reaction? a the activation energy must be 30 kj or less. b the activation energy must be 20 kj or less. c the activation energy must be more than 30 kj. d the activation energy must be between 20 and 30 kj.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall reaction - activation energy concept

For a reaction to occur upon collision, the energy of the colliding particles must be equal to or greater than the activation energy.

Step2: Analyze given collision energies

We have two sets of collisions: 50 particles of A and 50 particles of B with 20 kJ of energy, and 20 particles of A and 20 particles of B with 30 kJ of energy. Since all particles react upon collision, the activation energy must be less than or equal to the lowest energy of the reacting - particle collisions that result in a reaction. The lowest energy of the reacting particle - collisions is 20 kJ. So the activation energy must be 20 kJ or less.

Answer:

B. The activation energy must be 20 kJ or less.