Question

question 12 (1 point)
explosive reactions have a high activation energy and explosive substances can be safely stored for years. the potential energy diagram for these reactions is given by
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page 3:
page 4:

Explanation:

Activation energy (\(E_a\)) is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur. For explosive reactions, a high \(E_a\) means the reactants are stable (can be stored) until enough energy (like a spark) is provided. In an exothermic reaction (which explosive reactions often are), \(\Delta_{m}H<0\) (products have lower energy than reactants). The first diagram shows \(E_{a}(fwd)\) (forward activation energy) which is high (as explosive reactions need high energy to start), \(\Delta_{m}H\) (enthalpy change) with product energy lower than reactant (exothermic). The other diagrams either lack proper \(E_{a}(fwd)\) labeling (second diagram has only \(E_a\) not specifying forward), third has incorrect product - reactant energy relation (if it's explosive, product energy should be lower as it's exothermic and first diagram has correct \(E_{a}(fwd)\), \(\Delta_{m}H\) and product - reactant energy relation).

Answer:

The first potential energy diagram (with \(E_{a}(fwd)\), \(E_{a}(rev)\), \(\Delta_{m}H\) labeled correctly and product energy lower than reactant) is the correct one for explosive reactions.