Question

The activation energy (Ea) for the reaction

2N2O(g) → 2N2(g) + O2(g) ΔH
= −164 kJ/mol
is 300.0 kJ/mol. What is the (Ea) for the reverse reaction?

Answer 1

The activation energy for the reverse reaction of 2N2O(g) to 2N2(g) + O2(g) is calculated by adding the given activation energy for the forward reaction (300.0 kJ/mol) to the negative enthalpy change (−164 kJ/mol), resulting in 136 kJ/mol.

Step-by-step explanation:

The activation energy (Ea) for the reaction 2N2O(g) → 2N2(g) + O2(g) is given as 300.0 kJ/mol with a ΔH (enthalpy change) of −164 kJ/mol. To find the Ea for the reverse reaction, we use the concept that the sum of the activation energy of the forward reaction and the enthalpy change of the reaction is equal to the activation energy of the reverse reaction. Therefore, if we add the ΔH to the given Ea for the forward reaction, we can find the Ea for the reverse reaction.

Ea (reverse) = Ea (forward) + ΔH = 300.0 kJ/mol + (-164 kJ/mol) = 136 kJ/mol.

Thus, the activation energy for the reverse reaction is 136 kJ/mol.