Question

reactant a can participate in both of these reactions: 1) a + b → c + d △grxn=-15.6 kj 2) a + e → f + g △grxn=-20.5 kj reaction 1 has a much higher rate than reaction 2 under the same reaction conditions. explain this observation in terms of activation energy.

Explanation:

The rate of a chemical reaction is inversely related to its activation energy under the same reaction - conditions. Since Reaction 1 has a higher rate than Reaction 2, it implies that the activation energy of Reaction 1 is lower than that of Reaction 2. Lower activation energy means fewer energy - barriers for reactant molecules to overcome, allowing them to form products more quickly.

Answer:

The activation energy of Reaction 1 is lower than that of Reaction 2.