Name: Date:

Reaction energy profiles and bond enthalpies practice

1. Consider the following reaction:

C2H4 (g) + 3O2 (g) → 2CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g)
a. Use the bond energy data below to calculate the enthalpy change for the chemical reaction
shown above. You must show all your work.
b. Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic?

c. Explain why a lit match is needed to get the reaction started.

d. Based on your answers to parts (a), (b), and (c) draw a fully labelled energy profile diagram on
the axes below to show the enthalpy changes during the reaction:

e. Explain why once it gets started, the reaction continues with no external energy input.