Chemical Kinetics Ques 55

55. In a reversible reaction the energy of activation of the forward reaction is $50 kcal$. The energy of activation for the reverse reaction will be

[1996]

(a) $<50 kcal$

(b) either greater than or less than $50 kcal$

(c) $50 kcal$

(d) $>50 kcal$

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 55.(b)

Solution:

(b) $\Delta H=E _{a(f)}-E _{a(b)}$

Thus, energy of activation for reverse reaction depend upon whether reaction is exothermic or endothermic

If reaction is exothermic,

$\Delta H=-ve \quad E _{a(b)}>E _{a(f)}$

If reaction is endothermic

$\Delta H=+ve E _{a(b)}<E _{a(f)}$