Question

question 6 of 10
what does the energy hill represent on an energy diagram?
a. the final amount of potential energy of the products of the
reaction
b. the potential energy gained by the products when a reaction
happens
c. the potential energy the reactants have stored in molecular bonds
d. the additional potential energy the reactants must gain in order to
react

Explanation:

The energy hill on an energy diagram represents the activation energy. Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy that reactants must absorb to break the bonds and start the reaction. It is the additional potential energy the reactants must gain to react.

• Option A: The final amount of potential energy of products is shown at the end - of - reaction level, not the hill.
• Option B: The energy change (gain or loss) of products compared to reactants is the overall energy change of the reaction, not the hill.
• Option C: The potential energy of reactants in bonds is the initial energy level, not the hill.

Answer:

D. The additional potential energy the reactants must gain in order to react