Question

How can a H2 molecule collide with an O2 molecule without reacting to form water?a) the molecules form the activated complex when they collideb) this is impossible all collisions lead to reactions c) the molecules collide with enough energy to overcome the activation barrierd) the molecules collide in an orientation that does not lead to a reaction

Answer 1

When we have a mixture, at room temperature the hydrogen and oxygen gases, for example in the air, do not react to form water. First, because the activation energy of this reaction is very low. And second, because the movement of the molecules in their gaseous state is high, that is, they have a high kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is higher than activation energy, so the molecules don't react.

Therefore, the answer will be

c) the molecules collide with enough energy to overcome the activation barrier