Reaction diagrams

Definition

Reaction diagrams graphically represent the energy changes during a chemical reaction, typically showing the transition from reactants to products. They often include important features like activation energy and the transition state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reaction diagrams usually plot potential energy versus reaction progress.
2. The highest point on a reaction diagram represents the transition state, where bonds are partially broken and formed.
3. Activation energy is the energy difference between reactants and the transition state, indicating the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur.
4. Exothermic reactions show products with lower energy than reactants, while endothermic reactions show products with higher energy.
5. Catalysts lower the activation energy in a reaction diagram without being consumed by the reaction.

Review Questions

Related terms

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to undergo a chemical transformation.

Transition State:

A high-energy, unstable arrangement of atoms that exists momentarily as bonds are breaking and forming during a chemical reaction.

Catalyst:

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering its activation energy without being consumed in the process.