Chemical Energy Simulation (Chart.js)

Chemical Energy Simulation

Explore the concepts of enthalpy, activation energy, and reaction types.

Controls

Reaction Type:

Activation Energy ($E_a$): 80 kJ/mol

Temperature (Conceptual): 50%

Affects how many molecules can overcome $E_a$.

Number of Molecules:

Energy Profile

Reactants Products $E_a$ $\Delta H$

Molecular View (Conceptual)

Calculations (Illustrative)

Initial Reactant Energy: kJ/mol

Final Product Energy: kJ/mol

Activation Energy ($E_a$): kJ/mol

Enthalpy Change ($\Delta H$): kJ/mol

Explanation

Adjust the controls and click “Start Simulation”. See how molecules react based on the energy barrier and conceptual temperature.

Enthalpy ($\Delta H$)

Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property that represents the total heat content of a system. The change in enthalpy ($\Delta H$) during a reaction is the difference between the enthalpy of the products and the enthalpy of the reactants.

State Function

Enthalpy is a state function, meaning its change depends only on the initial and final states of the system, not on the path taken between those states. The energy profile diagram shows the initial (reactants) and final (products) energy levels determining $\Delta H$, regardless of the activation energy barrier height.

Endothermic vs. Exothermic Reactions

Exothermic: Reactions that release heat into the surroundings. The enthalpy of the products is lower than the enthalpy of the reactants, so $\Delta H$ is negative.
Endothermic: Reactions that absorb heat from the surroundings. The enthalpy of the products is higher than the enthalpy of the reactants, so $\Delta H$ is positive.

Activation Energy ($E_a$)

Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for reactants to overcome the energy barrier and be converted into products. It’s the energy difference between the reactants and the transition state (the highest energy point on the reaction pathway).