Question

How is the enthalpy of reaction shown in this potential energy diagram?

A.
as the sum of the energy of the products and the energy of the reactants
B.
as the sum of the activation energy and the energy of the products
C.
as the difference of the energy of the reactants and the energy of the products
D.
as the difference of the activation energy and the energy of the products

Answer 1

The correct answer is: C.

as the difference of the energy of the reactants and the energy of the products.

The enthalpy of reaction (ΔH) is represented by the difference in energy between the reactants and the products in a chemical reaction. In a potential energy diagram, the enthalpy of reaction is shown as the vertical difference between the energy of the reactants and the energy of the products. It indicates the overall energy change that occurs during the chemical reaction. The sign of ΔH (whether it is positive or negative) determines whether the reaction is endothermic (ΔH > 0) or exothermic (ΔH < 0).