Enthelpy and activation energy

In summary, catalysts decrease the activation energy of a reaction, but they do not change the enthalpy of the reaction. The enthalpy change only refers to the difference between the initial and final states, while activation energy is the maximum energy change on the reaction pathway. Therefore, even with a catalyst, the enthalpy change will be the same for the reaction.
  • #1
brake4country
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Homework Statement


This question is just for an overall understanding of enthalpy and activation. My book states that catalysts decrease the activation energy of a reaction. This makes sense. However, how does this change the enthalpy? If a catalyst creates a new pathway, wouldn't the enthalpy change be different as compared to the reaction without a catalyst? Thanks in advance.

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
brake4country said:
However, how does this change the enthalpy?
It doesn't change the enthalpy of the reaction. It does change the activation enthalpy of the reaction.

Enthalpy of a reaction is the difference in enthalpies only between the initial and final states. Activation energy or activation enthalpy is the maximum energy change on the path the reaction takes between those initial and final states.
 
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  • #3
Oh I get it but let me be clear. Initial and final states (as defined by state functions) will be the same regardless if the reaction uses a catalyst. Thus Ea is lower but the ΔH for both will be the same?
 
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You are cooking.
 
  • #5
Thank you!
 

1. What is enthalpy and how is it related to activation energy?

Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property that measures the total energy of a system. Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. Enthalpy and activation energy are related because they both involve the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction.

2. How does enthalpy affect the rate of a reaction?

The change in enthalpy during a reaction can affect the rate at which the reaction occurs. If the enthalpy change is negative (exothermic), the reaction will release energy and proceed at a faster rate. If the enthalpy change is positive (endothermic), the reaction will absorb energy and proceed at a slower rate.

3. Can enthalpy and activation energy be measured directly?

Enthalpy and activation energy cannot be measured directly, but they can be calculated using thermodynamic equations and experimental data. Enthalpy can be measured indirectly through calorimetry, while activation energy can be determined through kinetics experiments.

4. How do exothermic and endothermic reactions differ in terms of enthalpy and activation energy?

Exothermic reactions have a negative enthalpy change, meaning that they release energy. This also means that their activation energy is lower, as less energy is needed to start the reaction. Endothermic reactions have a positive enthalpy change, meaning that they absorb energy. Their activation energy is higher, as more energy is needed to overcome the energy barrier and initiate the reaction.

5. How can enthalpy and activation energy be used to predict the spontaneity of a reaction?

The change in enthalpy and activation energy can be used to calculate the Gibbs free energy of a reaction, which is a measure of the spontaneity of a reaction. If the Gibbs free energy is negative, the reaction is spontaneous and will proceed in the forward direction. If the Gibbs free energy is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous and will not occur without the input of energy.

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