Question

How does the energy of the activated complex compare with the energies of reactants and products? select one:

a. it is lower than the energy of both reactants and products.
b. it is lower than the energy of reactants but higher than the energy of products.
c. it is higher than the energy of reactants but lower than the energy of products.
d. it is higher than the energy of both reactants and products?

Answer 1

• Option d. it is higher than the energy of both reactants and products

Step-by-step explanation:

Activated complex, also known as transition state, is the intermediate structure formed in the course of a chemical reaction.

The activated complex is very unstable and of short life: it is at the peak of the potential chemical diagram, and can transform either into the reactants (backward) or the products (forward).

The activation energy of the reaction is the energy needed to reach the activated complex, then both reactants and products are lower in potential chemical energy than the activated complex, which is what explains why the activated complex can transform into one or another, reactants or products.