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Chemical reactions, energy and reaction barriers

Key ideas • General

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Chemical reactions proceed by proton transfer, electron transfer, or electron sharing.
  • Proton transfer involves moving H+ ions between species, characterizing acid–base reactions.
  • Electron transfer involves the movement of electrons between species, defining redox reactions.
  • Electron sharing involves the formation or breaking of covalent bonds as atoms share pairs of electrons.

Flashcards

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Transition state meaning

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The transition state represents a high-energy atomic arrangement at the peak of the activation-energy barrier.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Three reaction mechanisms: proton transfer, electron transfer, electron sharing.

Activation energy must be surpassed for reactions to proceed.

Temperature, concentration, pressure, and catalysts affect reaction rates.

Energy converts forms but total energy remains constant during reactions.

Bond breaking requires energy; bond formation releases energy, impacting net enthalpy.

Transition state is the highest-energy arrangement during reactions.

Catalysts lower activation energy without changing overall enthalpy.

Oxidation and reduction occur concurrently; oxidation states indicate electron movement.

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