Questions: 19. On the reaction coordinate diagram below, draw the curve for the same reaction taking place with the help of a catalyst. Additionally, show how you would determine the new energy of activation. (3 points)

19. On the reaction coordinate diagram below, draw the curve for the same reaction taking place with the help of a catalyst. Additionally, show how you would determine the new energy of activation. (3 points)

Transcript text: 19. On the reaction coordinate diagram below, draw the curve for the same reaction taking place with the help of a catalyst. Additionally, show how you would determine the new energy of activation. (3 points)

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Draw the new curve

Draw a new curve on the reaction coordinate diagram that starts at the same energy level as the original reaction but has a lower peak. The new curve should also end at the same energy level as the original reaction. The lower peak represents the reduced activation energy due to the catalyst.

Step 2: Indicate the new activation energy

Draw a vertical line from the peak of the new curve down to the horizontal dashed line representing the initial energy level of the reactants.

Step 3: Label the new activation energy

Label this new, shorter vertical line as ∆G^‡_cat (or similar notation) to distinguish it from the original, higher activation energy (∆G^‡). This new vertical line represents the new, lower activation energy in the presence of the catalyst.

Final Answer:

The new curve will have a lower activation energy than the original curve. The difference in height between the peak of the new curve and the starting energy level represents the new activation energy in the presence of the catalyst.

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