Question

Given the illustration, what is the activation energy for the transition `BrarrA`?

Answer 1

Well, what is `(23-7)*kcal*mol^-1`?

Explanation:

We assess the transition `ArarrD`. The activated complex is at the top of the energy well, at `DeltaG^@=23*kcal*mol^-1`. Since we start with `A`, whose free energy is `7*kcal*mol^-1` is the difference between minimum and maximum energies.....`E_a=16*kcal*mol^-1`....

Answer 2

You answered the wrong question.

Explanation:

You gave the activation energy for the reaction going from A to B.

The question asked for the activation energy for the reaction going from B to A (the reverse direction).

Ea

Going from B to A, you are starting at 12 kcal/mol and moving to the transition
state `bb‡` at 18 kcal/mol.

`E_text(a) = "(18 - 12) kcal/mol = 6 kcal/mol"`