Activation Energy Flashcards
Chemical reactions will not take place until the system has some minimum amount of energy added to it. This energy is called the _____ ______.
activation energy
Define Activation Energy.
Activation energy is the minimum energy required to start a chemical reaction OR the energy required to form the activated complex.
What must happen for two molecules to react chemically? (2)
- If two molecules are to react chemically, they must come into contact with each other with sufficient energy to overcome the strength of existing bonds within the molecules.
- For a collision to be effective, the colliding particles must have sufficient energy to initiate the bond breaking and the formation of the activated complex.
What is the activated complex is a substance?
The activated complex is a substance, which is the transition state between reactant and product. The activated complex lasts for only a very short period
of time. It is a high energy, unstable transition state.
Define activated complex.
An activated complex is a high energy, unstable, temporary transition state between the reactants and the products.
What else besides sufficient must particles have to collide?
In addition to sufficient energy, the particles must collide with an orientation that will allow for a reaction.
What happens when you increase the reaction temperature?
Even at a fixed temperature, the energy of the particles varies, meaning that only some of them will have enough energy to be part of the chemical reaction. Increasing the reaction temperature has the effect of increasing the
number of particles with enough energy to take part in the reaction, and increasing the reaction rate.
What is a A Maxwell Boltzmann distribution curve and what it is used?
A Maxwell Boltzmann distribution curve is used to illustrate the probability of particles with a particular energy. For an effective collision to occur, the particles must have energy higher than the activation energy.
What does increasing the temperature of a reaction mixture do?
Increasing the temperature of a reaction mixture increases the average kinetic energy of the particles. At a higher temperature, there are a greater proportion or fraction of particles with sufficient energy to react.
