Question

Which statement is true of an activated complex formed during a chemical reaction?

It contains all the atoms of the reactant particles.

It is a stable collection of reactant atoms.

It is only formed in the forward direction.

It exists along with product molecules at the end of the reaction.

Answer 1

It is only formed in the forward direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Activated complex is formed by the combination of reactant molecules. Activated complex is formed only in the forward reaction and not in the backward reaction. Option C is correct.

It has the highest energy in the potential energy diagram. Activated complex is known as the transition state and does not include any product molecules. Option D is incorrect.

Option A is incorrect as an activated complex may contain most if not all of the atoms of a reactant particle.

Option B is incorrect as an activated complex is only a transitions state which is unstable and it changes to form products which are more stable.

Answer 2

I think the correct answer among the choices presented above is the third option. An activated complex formed during a chemical reaction is only formed in the forward direction. It is a temporary unstable compound formed when the activation energy of a reaction is attained.