Sketch a graph for the progress of a reaction illustrating the activation, energy for the reaction. Define “activation energy.” Explain how an increase in temperature for a reaction affects the number of collisions that possess an energy greater than Es,. Does an increase in temperature change E_a? How does a catalyst speed up a reaction? Does a catalyst change E_afor the reaction?

Interpretation:

A graph for the progress of a reaction illustrating the activation energy for the reaction is to be sketched. The term “activation energy” is to be defined. The reason behind the explanation of an increase in temperature for a reaction affects the number of collisions that possess energy greater than Ea is to be stated. Whether an increase in temperature changes Ea or not is to be predicted. The explanation for a catalyst speed up a reaction is to be stated. Whether a catalyst change Ea value or not is to be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

The conversion of reactants into products relies on various factors such as temperature, catalyst and activation energy. The reaction will occur at a faster rate, if the activation energy is low. The high value of activation energy implies that high energy is required to convert the reactants into products, whereas a low value of activation energy suggests that low energy is needed to convert the reactants into products.

A graph for the progress of a reaction illustrating the activation energy for the reaction is shown below.

Figure 1

The activation energy (Ea) aids in determining the rate of chemical reactions. The small value of Ea exhibits that less energy is required to convert the reactants into products. It results in the increases of a rate of reaction. Hence, the minimum energy that is required to form the product from the starting material is referred to as activation energy. Increase in temperature results in increasing kinetic energy of reactant molecules, which further increases the number of collisions. Hence, the product is formed. However, high temperature does not change the activation energy of a reaction. An increase in temperature does not change Ea value. A catalyst decreases the Ea value due to which reaction occurs at a faster rate