April 29, 2024, 07:24:17 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


Topic: Potential energy diagrams  (Read 3634 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline maccha

  • Regular Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 56
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-0
Potential energy diagrams
« on: June 15, 2009, 09:04:12 PM »
Okay, I have a question about potential energy diagrams that has always confused me. Take a look at this link : http://people.sps.lane.edu/jtyser/chem/P...

Since the potential energy is greater after the reaction, this reaction is said to be endothermic.. since it "took in" energy. What I don't understand though, it that since KE + PE = constant, wouldn't this mean that kinetic energy was therefore lower? And if kinetic energy was lower than before, wouldn't the molecules move less fast and therefore be at a lower temperature, making the reaction exothermic? If someone could explain this to me I would really appreciate it.

Offline Astrokel

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 989
  • Mole Snacks: +65/-10
  • Gender: Male
Re: Potential energy diagrams
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2009, 01:40:13 AM »
I cannot see the diagram linked and also conservation of energy is only applicable to system that has no friction and nor it is subjected to external influence.
No matters what results are waiting for us, it's nothing but the DESTINY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sponsored Links