Reactant A can participate in both of these reactions:1) A + B [image 1] C + D [image 2] Grxn = –15.6 kJ2) A + E [image 3] F + G [image 4] Grxn = –20.5 kJReaction 1 has a much higher rate than Reaction 2 under the same reaction conditions. Explain this observation in terms of activation energy.

Question

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Reaction 1 has a lower activation energy than Reaction 2. Therefore, under the same conditions, more reactant particles can overcome the energy barrier per unit time, making Reaction 1 faster. The Gibbs free-energy changes do not determine the reaction rates.

Reaction Rate

Reactant A can participate in both of these reactions:1) A + B [image 1] C + D [image 2] Grxn = –15.6 kJ2) A + E [image 3] F + G [image 4] Grxn = –20.5 kJReaction 1 has a much higher rate than Reaction 2 under the same reaction conditions. Explain this observation in terms of activation energy.

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