Question 1
Paper 2Easy6 marksA chemist compares the initial rate of a gas-phase reaction at two temperatures, with the same initial reactant concentrations. Figure 1 shows Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distributions for the reactant particles. The activation energy for the reaction is
(a)[1]
State what is meant by the activation energy, of a reaction.
(b)
Use Figure 1.
(i)[1]
Identify which curve represents the higher temperature.
(ii)[1]
Shade the area under this curve that represents particles with enough energy to react.
(iii)[2]
Explain why the initial rate of reaction is greater at the higher temperature.
(c)[1]
A catalyst is added to the reaction. On Figure 1, draw and label a vertical line to show the activation energy for the catalysed reaction.