Question

Which statement describes the potential energy diagram of an endothermic reaction?
A. The potential energy of the products is equal to the potential energy of the reactants.
B. The potential energy of the reactants is greater than the potential energy of the products.
C. The activation energy of the reactants is less than the activation energy of the products.
D. The potential energy of the products is greater than the potential energy of the reactants.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is Option D.

Explanation:

Endothermic reactions are defined as the reactions in which energy is absorbed by the system. The potential energy of the products is greater than the potential energy of the reactants. The total enthalpy change of the reaction, $\Delta H_{rxn}$ comes out to be positive.

$\Delta H_{rxn}=H_{products}-H_{reactants}=+ve$

$H_{products}>H_{reactants}$ for endothermic reactions

Exothermic reactions are defined as the reactions in which energy is released by the system. The potential energy of the products is less than the potential energy of the reactants. The total enthalpy change of the reaction, $\Delta H_{rxn}$ comes out to be negative.

$\Delta H_{rxn}=H_{products}-H_{reactants}=-ve$

$H_{products}<H_{reactants}$ for exothermic reactions

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.