For the elementary process N2O5(g) → 2NO2(g) + NO3(g), the activation energy (Ea) and overall ΔE are 154 kJ/mol and 136 kJ/mol, respectively. (a) Sketch the energy profile for this reaction, and label Ea and ΔE.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the energy profile of a chemical reaction. An energy profile is a graph that shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction. The y-axis represents the potential energy, while the x-axis represents the reaction progress.
2. Step 2: Identify the key components to be labeled on the energy profile. For this reaction, you need to label the activation energy (Ea) and the overall change in energy (ΔE).
3. Step 3: Draw the energy profile. Start by drawing a curve that begins at the energy level of the reactants (N2O5) and ends at the energy level of the products (2NO2 + NO3).
4. Step 4: Label the activation energy (Ea). The activation energy is the energy barrier that must be overcome for the reaction to proceed. It is represented by the peak of the curve minus the energy level of the reactants.
5. Step 5: Label the overall change in energy (ΔE). This is the difference in energy between the products and the reactants. Since ΔE is positive, the products are at a higher energy level than the reactants, indicating an endothermic reaction.