Potential Energy Diagrams

Front

What is Potential Energy (PE)?

Back

Potential Energy (PE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. It can be converted into kinetic energy when the object is in motion.

Front

What does a Potential Energy Diagram represent?

Back

A Potential Energy Diagram visually represents the energy changes during a chemical reaction, showing the potential energy of reactants, products, and the activation energy.

Front

What is ΔH in a chemical reaction?

Back

ΔH (Delta H) represents the change in enthalpy or heat content of a system during a reaction, indicating whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic.

Front

What is the sign of ΔH for exothermic reactions?

Back

Negative. Exothermic reactions release heat, resulting in a decrease in enthalpy.

Front

What is the sign of ΔH for endothermic reactions?

Back

Positive. Endothermic reactions absorb heat, resulting in an increase in enthalpy.

Front

What does the peak of a Potential Energy Diagram represent?

Back

The peak represents the transition state or activated complex, where the potential energy is at its maximum before the reaction proceeds.

Front

What is the difference between reactants and products in a reaction?

Back

Reactants are the starting substances in a chemical reaction, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction.

Front

How do you calculate ΔH from a Potential Energy Diagram?

Back

ΔH is calculated by subtracting the potential energy of the reactants from the potential energy of the products.

Front

What is activation energy (Ea)?

Back

Activation energy (Ea) is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, represented by the energy barrier that must be overcome.

Front

What does a downward slope in a Potential Energy Diagram indicate?

Back

A downward slope indicates an exothermic reaction, where the products have lower potential energy than the reactants.