A match must be struck against an object to produce a spark to start the burning process. Once the match starts burning, it releases a large amount of energy. Describe, in detail, what the potential energy diagram would look like for the burning of a match, and explain how each part of the diagram relates to the process described above.
We're at a loss to draw diagrams on this forum. I'm sure you can find appropriate diagrams along with the appropriate explanations on Google.
To understand the potential energy diagram for the burning of a match, we need to consider the energy changes that occur throughout the process. A potential energy diagram shows how the potential energy of a system changes during a chemical reaction or a physical process.
1. Reactants: The reactants in this case are the matchstick and the oxygen in the air. At the beginning of the reaction, they have a certain amount of potential energy. On the potential energy diagram, this is represented as a relatively high energy level.
2. Activation Energy: To start the burning process, a match must be struck against an appropriate surface. This action provides the activation energy required to initiate the reaction. On the diagram, this is represented as a peak, indicating the energy barrier that needs to be overcome for the reaction to proceed.
3. Transition State: The match striking produces a transient arrangement of atoms, known as the transition state. This state has a higher energy level than both the reactants and the products. The peak on the diagram represents this transition state, indicating the maximum energy reached during the reaction.
4. Products: Once the match starts burning, it releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light. The products of the reaction are primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and some leftover ash. The potential energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants.
On the potential energy diagram, the progress of the reaction can be visualized as a downward slope from the initial energy level of the reactants to the final energy level of the products. The peak represents the activation energy required to initiate the reaction and move from reactants to products.
It is important to note that the vertical axis of the diagram represents the potential energy of the system, while the horizontal axis represents the progression of the reaction, usually from left to right. The diagram helps us understand the energy changes associated with the burning of a match and how energy is transferred during this process.