Question detail
What does the difference in height between reactants and products in a reaction profile diagram represent?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Energetics
Question
- A. The activation energy
- B. The enthalpy change
- C. The rate of reaction
- D. The concentration of reactants
Answer
The enthalpy change
Explanation
The evidence shows that the vertical distance between the energy levels of the reactants and products in a reaction profile diagram represents the enthalpy change of the reaction. The implication is that this value indicates whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. Thus, the conclusion is that the height difference signifies the enthalpy change.
Common mistake
Misinterpreting Reaction Profiles
Students often confuse the energy levels of reactants and products in reaction profile diagrams, leading to incorrect identification of exothermic and endothermic reactions.
To fix this, students should carefully analyze the diagram, noting that in exothermic reactions, the products are at a lower energy level than the reactants, while in endothermic reactions, the products are at a higher energy level. This understanding will help them accurately interpret the energy changes.
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