Reaction Profiles Flashcards

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What is a reaction profile?

A reaction profile is a diagram that shows how the energy of a reaction changes from reactants to products.

The vertical axis shows the energy of the chemicals, usually in kilojoules (kJ).

The horizontal axis shows the progress of the reaction from reactants to products.

In an exothermic reaction profile, the products are at a lower energy level than the reactants.

In an endothermic reaction profile, the products are at a higher energy level than the reactants.

The highest point on a reaction profile shows the activation energy, the maximum energy during the reaction.

Activation energy is shown by an arrow from the reactants’ energy level up to the top of the curve.

You compare the energy level of the reactants and the products and measure the difference between them.

A tall peak means the reaction has a large activation energy, so more energy is needed to start it.

A catalyst gives an alternative pathway with a lower peak, so the activation energy is smaller but the start and end energy levels stay the same.