Activation Energy: Oxygen + Hydrogen - Electrons & Energy

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of activation energy in the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, particularly focusing on the explosive nature of their combination and the role of electrons and bond energies in chemical reactions. The scope includes theoretical and conceptual aspects of chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what makes the combination of oxygen and hydrogen explosive, suggesting that electrons lose energy but is uncertain about the details.
  • Another participant explains that hydrogen and oxygen can form water, a stable molecule, and that activation energy is required to initiate the reaction, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process.
  • A different participant asserts that electrons are the main culprits in all reactions, seeking clarification on this point.
  • One participant introduces the concept of bond energies, asking which bonds are broken and formed during the reaction and the molar equivalence of products versus reactants.
  • In response to the previous claim about electrons, another participant clarifies that while electrons are important, they require a nucleus to form a bound system, emphasizing the role of electrostatic interactions in chemical bond energies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of electrons in chemical reactions, with some asserting their centrality while others emphasize the necessity of nuclei. The discussion includes multiple competing perspectives on activation energy and bond formation without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specifics of bond energies and the ratios of reactants to products, as well as the precise mechanisms behind the explosive reaction.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying chemistry, particularly in understanding chemical reactions, activation energy, and the role of electrons and bond energies.

tumor
Messages
126
Reaction score
1
What makes compound,lets say oxygen and hydrogen explosive?I think electrones are loosing energy but I"m not so sure.How this all works?.Please help me.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
It's because hydrogen and oxygen can form water which is a very stable molecule. Hydrogen and oxygen require a spark to ignite, ie. they need a little bit of energy to push them towards water. That's the activation enegry. Once they pass this, they let go of A LOT of energy because water has much lower energy than hydrogen and water. THis energy is given off as light and sound, explosion. A spark starts off with converting like a million molecules of H2 and O2 to water, and then proceeds to give energy to the remaining 10^15 or whatever. Makes sense I hope. I'm eating and can't wait for the next bite while typing this.
 
I guess you are right , but to make things clear electrons are the main culprits in all reactions right.?Thanks for your help man, I have to catch the bus.
 
In this case thinkk of bond energies, bond formation results in exothermic reactions. Which bonds are being broken and which are being formed? Also, what is the ratio of molar equivalence of the product vs the reactants.


------------
http://groups.msn.com/GeneralChemistryHomework
 
Last edited by a moderator:
tumor said:
I guess you are right , but to make things clear electrons are the main culprits in all reactions right.?Thanks for your help man, I have to catch the bus.

Yes and no. The electrons by themselves wouldn't do this - you need to have a nucleus around so that there's a bound system. It's the electrostatic interaction of the electrons with nuclei that is the source of chemical bond energies.
 

Similar threads

Why are metals in aqueous solution basic, and non-metals acidic?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Group I/II Metal oxides always basic in aqueous solution -- why?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Do Spontaneous Reactions actually need activation energy?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Oxygen dip in ionization energy trend
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Gibbs free energy of activation and activation energy
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
PEM electrolyzer - How does platinum reduce activation energy?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Gamma Radiation and Electrolysis
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Why are some d-electron configurations more stable? (1st row)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What is Plasmonic Photocatalysis and How Can It Help Remove Hydrogen Sulfide?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Radicals again - Formation energy
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K