Chemical Kinetics Question 345
Question: In a reversible reaction the energy of activation of the forward reaction is 50 kcal. The energy of activation for the reverse reaction will be
Options:
A) < 50 kcal
B) either greater than or less than 50 kcal
C) 50 kcal
D) > 50 kcal
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
[b] $ \Delta H=E_{a}(f)-E_{a}(b) $ Thus energy of activation for reverse reaction depend upon whether reaction is exothermic or endothermic. If reaction is exothermic, $ \Delta H=-ve,E_{a}( b )>E_{a}( f ) $ If reaction is endothermic, $ \Delta H=+ve,E_{a}( b )<E_{a}( f ) $