Question

$ H_{2} $ reacts much faster with $ Cl_{2} $ than $ D_{2} $ because

• A. rate of diffusion of $ H_{2} $ is greater than $ D_{2} $
• B. $ H_{2} $ has lower energy of activation than $ D_{2} $
• C. Both (a) and (b) are correct .
• D. None of the above is correct

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$H _{2}$ reacts much faster with $Cl _{2}$ than $D _{2}$, because $H _{2}$ has lower energy of activation than $D _{2}$. This slowing of the reaction with the heavier isotope is called the deuterium isotope effect.