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⚗️ Reading Reaction-Energy Diagrams

Learn to read reaction-energy diagrams, calculate activation barriers and ΔH, distinguish rate from overall energy change, and see how catalysts reshape the pathway.

lessons

~10 min

to learn

🔬 Science

subject

Adults

level

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What you’ll learn

Read the diagramIdentify the reaction coordinate, energy axis, endpoints, and transition-state peak.Read a reaction-energy curve from left to right and keep the peak distinct from the products.
Calculate energy differencesCalculate forward and reverse activation energies and an enthalpy change from labeled levels.Subtract the correct vertical levels, choosing the starting point from the reaction direction.
Compare pathwaysDistinguish activation barriers, endpoint changes, and the effect of a catalyst on a pathway.Use peaks to reason about barriers and endpoints to reason about overall change, including multistep curves.

Questions this course answers

What does the peak of a reaction-energy curve represent?

The peak is the highest-energy transition state or activated complex.

How is forward activation energy calculated?

Forward activation energy is the vertical barrier from reactants to the peak.

Which levels determine delta H?

Overall energy change compares the final and initial states.

What does a catalyst change on the diagram?

A catalyst lowers the pathway barrier while leaving the endpoints and delta H unchanged.

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