Why are transition states of reactions the maximum energy states of the reaction?

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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Why are transition states of reactions the maximum energy states of the reaction? 

Expert Solution
Step 1

Transition state:
The transition state of a chemical reaction is a particular configuration along the reaction coordinate. It is defined as the state corresponding to the highest potential energy along with the reaction coordinate diagram. The lifetime of the transition state is very low and equal to just one bond vibration cycle.  It is often marked with the double dagger ‡ symbol.

Step 2

For a typical reaction, the reaction coordinate diagram and the transition state is given below:

Chemistry homework question answer, step 2, image 1

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