in a reversible reaction the energy of activation of the forward reaction is 50 kcal .
the energy of activation for the reverse reaction will be

Options

A. lt 50 kcal
B. 50 kcal
C. either greater tan or less than 50 kcal
D. gt 50 kcal

Explanation

To determine the energy of activation for the reverse reaction given that the energy of activation for the forward reaction is 50 kcal, we need to consider the nature of the reaction (whether it is exothermic or endothermic).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Activation Energy**:
- Activation energy (Ea) is the minimum energy required for a reaction to occur. For a reversible reaction, we have two activation energies: one for the forward reaction (Ea forward) and one for the reverse reaction (Ea reverse).

2. **Given Data**:
- The activation energy for the forward reaction (Ea forward) is given as 50 kcal.

3. **Consider the Reaction Type**:
- We need to determine 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 reverse reaction (Ea reverse) will be greater than the activation energy for the forward reaction.
- **Endothermic Reaction**: The products have higher energy than the reactants. Here, the activation energy for the reverse reaction will be less than the activation energy for the forward reaction.

4. **Calculating the Activation Energy for the Reverse Reaction**:
- If the reaction is exothermic:
- Ea reverse = Ea forward + ΔH (where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, which is negative for exothermic reactions).
- If the reaction is endothermic:
- Ea reverse = Ea forward - ΔH (where ΔH is positive for endothermic reactions).

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since we do not have specific information about whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic, we cannot definitively calculate the activation energy for the reverse reaction.
- Therefore, the energy of activation for the reverse reaction could be either greater than, less than, or equal to 50 kcal depending on the nature of the reaction.

### Final Answer:
The energy of activation for the reverse reaction can be either greater than, less than, or equal to 50 kcal.