U3-1-2 - Potential Energy Diagrams Flashcards
Part of the Controlling the Rate topic from Unit 3 of Higher Chemistry, Chemistry in Society
An unstable arrangement of atoms formed at the maximum of the potential energy barrier during a reaction
Activated complex
The minimum energy required by colliding particles to form an activated complex
OR
the minimum kinetic energy required by colliding particles before a reaction may occur.
Activation energy
Why does using a catalyst increase reaction rate?
A catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy.
(Lower activation energy = more successful collisions)
Activation energy
The minimum energy required by colliding particles to form an activated complex
OR
the minimum kinetic energy required by colliding particles before a reaction may occur.
Activated complex
An unstable arrangement of atoms formed at the maximum of the potential energy barrier during a reaction
Y is the energy of the …
Reactants
X is the energy of the …
Activated complex
Z is the energy of the …
Products
X – Y is the …
Activation energy of the forward reaction
X – Z is the …
Activation energy of the reverse reaction
