The activation energy for a ismple chemical reaction `A rarr B` is `E_(a)` in the forward reaction: The activation of the reverse reaction

Options

A. Is negative of `E_(a)`
B. Is always less than `E_(a)`
C. Can be less than or more than `E_(a)`
D. Is always double of `E_(a)`

Explanation

To determine the activation energy for the reverse reaction of a simple chemical reaction \( A \rightarrow B \) given that the activation energy for the forward reaction is \( E_a \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Activation Energy
Activation energy (\( E_a \)) is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. In the context of a reaction, it represents the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to be converted into products.

### Step 2: Identify the Type of Reaction
The activation energy can vary depending on whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic:
- **Exothermic Reaction**: The products have lower energy than the reactants. In this case, the activation energy for the forward reaction (\( E_a \)) is typically less than that of the reverse reaction.
- **Endothermic Reaction**: The products have higher energy than the reactants. Here, the activation energy for the forward reaction is usually greater than that of the reverse reaction.

### Step 3: Analyze the Given Information
In the problem, we are given that the activation energy for the forward reaction is \( E_a \). However, we are not provided with information about whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic.

### Step 4: Determine the Activation Energy for the Reverse Reaction
Since we do not know the nature of the reaction (exothermic or endothermic), we can conclude:
- If the reaction is exothermic, the activation energy for the reverse reaction (\( E_{a, \text{reverse}} \)) would be greater than \( E_a \).
- If the reaction is endothermic, the activation energy for the reverse reaction would be less than \( E_a \).

Thus, the activation energy for the reverse reaction can either be less than or greater than \( E_a \).

### Conclusion
The activation energy for the reverse reaction can be either less than or greater than \( E_a \), depending on the nature of the reaction (exothermic or endothermic). Therefore, the correct answer is that the activation energy of the reverse reaction can vary.

### Final Answer
The activation energy for the reverse reaction can be either less than or greater than \( E_a \).

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