Which term has the same numerical value for the forward reaction as it has for the reverse reaction, but with opposite sign?
a. ^E ( delta E)
b. Ea1
c. Ea’
d. Ea2
To determine which term has the same numerical value for the forward reaction as it has for the reverse reaction but with opposite sign, we need to understand the definitions of the given terms.
a. ^E (delta E) represents the change in potential energy of a reaction and is equal to the difference between the potential energy of the products and the potential energy of the reactants. This term does not have opposite signs for the forward and reverse reactions.
b. Ea1 represents the activation energy for the forward reaction. It is the energy required for the reactants to overcome the energy barrier and convert into products. This term does not have a corresponding term for the reverse reaction.
c. Ea’ represents the activation energy for the reverse reaction. It is the energy required for the products to overcome the energy barrier and convert back into reactants. This term does not have a corresponding term for the forward reaction.
d. Ea2 represents the activation energy for the reverse reaction, which is the same as Ea' in this case. Since Ea2 represents the activation energy for the reverse reaction, it has the same numerical value as Ea', but with opposite sign. Therefore, the correct answer is **d. Ea2**.