Question

Hydrogen reacts explosively with oxygen. However, a mixture of ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}$and ${\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ can exist indefinitely at room temperature. Explain why ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ and ${\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{2}}$do not react under these conditions.

Short answer

H2 and O2 do not react under the given conditions as insufficient energy is involved in the process.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the concept related to reaction initiation dependence of activation energy.

The fact that two gases are not reacting at room temperature is a clear sign that in that case there is simply not enough energy involved to overcome the energy of activation and initiate a reaction.

Understanding the concept why H2 and O2 do not react with each other at room temperature.

When we analyze the given reaction in a different setting where the two actually react and react explosively, we can see that the initial step of the reaction is really a process of separating hydrogen molecules which requires a certain amount of energy which is not present at room temperature.