Generic Reactions Reactants
Products
Transition State
AB
-15 ki
AB
2010
30 kj
C + AB
65 kJ
CB+ A
30 kJ
85 kl
Synthesis
A+B - AB
Single Replacement
C + AB CB+ A
Double Replacement
AB + CD - AD + BC
AB + CD
10 k
AD + BC
60 kj
75 kJ
To assist you, use the enthalpy values in the data chart for each generic reaction provided. Be
sure to following the summary of steps below.
• Illustrate the x- and y-axes to show the reaction pathway and potential energy, in
kilojoules. Ensure your energy intervals are appropriate for the data.
• Plot the enthalpy values of the reactants, products, and transition state using three
horizontal dotted lines across the graph for each.
• Draw the energy curve from the reactants line to the transition state and curve the line
back down to the energy of the products. Label the reactants, products, and transition
state.
• Illustrate double-headed arrows to represent both the total change in enthalpy (AH) and
the activation energy (E.).
• Calculate the total change in enthalpy and the activation energy using the energy values
provided for each reaction. Record those values below the graph.
• Make sure correct units are included.
Conclusion Statement
Write a two to four sentence conclusion statement explaining how the potential energy
diagram is used to identify if the reaction is endothermic or exothermic, if heat was
released or absorbed, and why the sign of enthalpy change was positive of negative. There
should be a conclusion statement for each graph.