IB DP Chemistry R2.2 L6 | Activation Energy and Maxwell–Boltzmann Distributions | Lesson Walkthrough
Construct and interpret Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distributions and explain the role of activation energy.
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Browse all science resourcesConstruct and interpret Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distributions and explain the role of activation energy.
Compare catalysts and explain alternative reaction pathways with lower activation energies.
Use Maxwell–Boltzmann curves to explain catalysis and challenge common misconceptions.
Plan controlled rate comparisons and build conclusions supported by experimental evidence and particle explanations.
Evaluate multistep reaction mechanisms, identify intermediates and catalysts, and reason about rate-determining steps.
Interpret multistep energy profiles, activation barriers and molecularity.
Combine gas-volume and solution-concentration data with stoichiometric ratios to calculate unknown reacting quantities.
Identify limiting and excess reactants by comparing available amounts with the balanced-equation ratio.
Calculate theoretical yield from the limiting reactant using mixed forms of quantitative data.
Compare experimental and theoretical yields and calculate percentage yield. Students explain practical losses and investigate values above 100 percent.