The decomposition of dinitrogen pentaoxide has an activation energy of 102 kJ/mol and ΔH°_rxn = + 55 kJ/mol. What is the activation energy for the reverse reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The activation energy for the reverse reaction can be found by adding the ΔH°rxn to the activation energy of the forward reaction. So, 102 kJ/mol + 55 kJ/mol = 157 kJ/mol. However, since the ΔH°rxn is given as positive, it means the reverse reaction would require less energy to overcome the activation barrier. Thus, the correct calculation should subtract the ΔH°rxn from the activation energy of the forward reaction: 102 kJ/mol - 55 kJ/mol = 47 kJ/mol.

The Decomposition of Dinitrogen Pentaoxide Has an Activation Energy of 102