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Which of the following is the correct interpretation of the above energy distribution diagram for a reaction as the temperature decreases from $T_2$ to $T_1$? | Activation energy ($E_a$) | Number of successful collisions | |-------------------|------------------------------| | A | remains the same | increases | | B | decreases | decreases | | C | decreases | increases | | D | remains the same | decreases | - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 3 - 2018
Question 3
Which of the following is the correct interpretation of the above energy distribution diagram for a reaction as the temperature decreases from $T_2$ to $T_1$? | Act... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which of the following is the correct interpretation of the above energy distribution diagram for a reaction as the temperature decreases from $T_2$ to $T_1$? | Activation energy ($E_a$) | Number of successful collisions | |-------------------|------------------------------| | A | remains the same | increases | | B | decreases | decreases | | C | decreases | increases | | D | remains the same | decreases | - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 3 - 2018
Step 1
Activation energy ($E_a$) remains the same
Answer
As the temperature decreases, the shape of the distribution curve indicates that the average kinetic energy of the molecules decreases. However, the activation energy required for the reaction remains unchanged because it is a property of the reaction itself.
Step 2
Number of successful collisions decreases
Answer
With a decrease in temperature, fewer molecules have sufficient energy to overcome the activation barrier, resulting in a decrease in the number of successful collisions. This aligns with the interpretation of the graph, as a lower temperature leads to a lower kinetic energy distribution.
Step 3