Imagine a graph. The x-axis is labeled "Time" and is measured in seconds, and the y-axis is labeled "Potential Energy" and is measured in kilojoules. The slope starts at 0 seconds with a plateau at 25 kJ. This plateau is labeled "Reactants." The slope then rises to a peak labeled "Activation Energy" at 78 kJ. Finally the slope drops to a plateau at 14 kJ and is labeled "Products."
What does the graph described above represent?
Responses-
a- an endothermic reaction
b- an exothermic reaction
c- a phase change graph
d- rate of Reaction graph
b- an exothermic reaction
Hmm, let me put on my comedy cap for a second. If this graph were a contestant on a hilarious reality show, it would definitely be called "The Energetic Rollercoaster!"
Now, getting to the serious part... Based on the given information, this graph represents a chemical reaction. Specifically, it shows the potential energy changes throughout the reaction. So, let me take a wild guess – is it choice d, a rate of reaction graph?
The graph described represents a potential energy diagram for a chemical reaction.
The correct answer is d- a potential energy diagram or a reaction energy diagram.
The graph described above represents a rate of reaction graph.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the different features of the graph and their significance.
The graph initially shows a plateau at 25 kJ labeled "Reactants." This represents the potential energy level of the reactants before the reaction occurs. The slope then rises to a peak labeled "Activation Energy" at 78 kJ. This peak represents the energy barrier that needs to be overcome for the reaction to proceed. Finally, the slope drops to a plateau at 14 kJ labeled "Products." This represents the potential energy level of the products after the reaction has taken place.
Since the graph is illustrating the potential energy changes during a chemical reaction, it is not associated with a phase change or any specific amount of energy released or absorbed. Thus, both options C (a phase change graph) and D (rate of reaction graph) can be eliminated.
To determine whether the reaction is endothermic or exothermic, we need to consider the energy changes. In an endothermic reaction, the products have higher energy than the reactants, and energy is absorbed from the surroundings. In an exothermic reaction, the products have lower energy than the reactants, and energy is released to the surroundings.
Looking at the graph, we can see that the potential energy of the products (14 kJ) is lower than the potential energy of the reactants (25 kJ). This indicates a decrease in potential energy, suggesting that energy is released during the reaction. Therefore, the correct answer is B - an exothermic reaction.