Energy Diagrams
Chemistry: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 4.1.2
Energy Diagrams
Energy diagrams can be used to represent reactions and determine if reactions are endothermic or exothermic.
Energy diagrams
- Energy diagrams show the progress of reaction on the x-axis and energy level on the y-axis. They contain the following information:
- The relative enthalpy (energy) of reactants (A + B) and products (C + D).
- The activation energy (Ea) of a reaction.
- The overall enthalpy change (ΔH) of a reaction.
Example
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Exothermic reactions
- In exothermic reactions, the enthalpy (energy) of the products is less than the energy of the reactants
Exothermic reactions
Endothermic reactions
- In endothermic reactions, the enthalpy (energy) of the reactants is less than the energy of the products.
Endothermic reactions
Test yourself on Energy Diagrams
What information is contained within enthalpy profile diagrams?