Which analogy can best be likened to the activation energy of a chemical reaction?

1 answer:

6 0

The activation energy of a reaction is the minimum energy that must be overcome in order for the reaction to take place. One way of reaching the activation energy is by manipulating the process conditions like pressure or temperature. But the most common method is by adding an enzyme. An enzyme speeds up the rate of the reaction but does not actively take part in it.

An analogy would be pushing heavy wooden block down a slope. No matter how many people push on it, the block won't move because of friction. But if you spill oil on the floor, the block would effortlessly move down the slope. The oil here is like an enzyme in a reaction.

You might be interested in

Place the butane lighter in the sink or tub and let it rest there until needed. why do we soak the lighter in the water bath?

Genrish500 [490]

Answer:

To regulate the gas pressure in the lighter tank and avoid build-up of pressure.

Explanation:

First, you need to understand the properties of this organic molecule. Butane. C₄H₁₀ is a colorless, odorless, but HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquefied gas. The liquid is flammable at 25⁰C whilst the vapor is flammable at 15⁰C. As you can see, this is an extremely flammable gas. It has a high vapor pressure (tendency by liquids to escape as gas molecules)
Any external heat source induces a pressure build up that might cause the gas to explode when there is an open flame.
Combining the two points above, a thermo-regulated water bath that has a lower temperature (below 15⁰C) will be need to prevent the pressure build up and ensure that any leakage will not have a high vapor pressure.