Question

For the following reaction profiles, indicate

a. The positions of reactants and products.

b. The activation energy.

c. E for the reaction.

d. The second reaction profile is representative of a reaction that occurs by a two-step mechanism. Which point on the plot represents the energy of the intermediate in the two-step reaction? Which step in the mechanism is rate-determining, the first or the

second step? Explain.

Short answer

The energy profile diagram is shown in the above question. In this, the positions of reactants and products are indicated.

Step-by-step solution

Indicate the positions of reactants and products

In the above diagram, we can say that the enthalpy of the reaction is positive because the heat is absorbed.

Indicating the positions of reactants and products

The plot shows a two-step mechanism.

Point A shows the energy intermediate of the reaction.

Point B, at which the energy of the system is highest, means the activation energy in the rate-determining step at the second step.