A reaction profile (sometimes called energy profile) is a diagram that shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction. It compares the energy levels of the reactants and products, and shows how energy is involved as the reaction takes place.
Key features of a reaction profile include:
The energy of the reactants
The activation energy (the energy needed to start the reaction)
The energy of the products
If the products have less energy than the reactants, the reaction is exothermic (energy is released).
If the products have more energy, the reaction is endothermic (energy is absorbed).
Reaction profiles help us understand whether a chemical reaction releases or absorbs energy, and how much energy is needed to get it started.
Examiner-written GCSE Chemistry revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
Share this article
written revision resources that improve your