CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Kinetics · Kinetics
Problem
For an elementary reaction, the transition state lies 40kJmol−1 above the reactants and 10kJmol−1 above the products. Which statement most accurately describes the initial rates of the forward and reverse reactions at a given temperature?
(a) The forward reaction is faster because the reaction releases 30kJmol−1 and exothermic processes generally proceed more rapidly.
(b) Both directions proceed at nearly the same rate because the transition state is only tens of kilojoules above either side of the reaction.
(c) The reverse reaction is faster because its activation energy is only 10kJmol−1, whereas the forward activation energy is 40kJmol−1.
(d) Neither direction is likely to occur at a noticeable rate without a catalyst because the transition state lies 40kJmol−1 above the reactants.