Question

In an endothemermic reaction, why would the rate of a forward reaction increase more than the reverse reaction?

My prof says it’s because the Ea is larger. But wouldn’t a larger Ea make the rate of of the forward reaction slower?

Answer 1

Endothermic reaction are those reaction which absorb energy .

For endothermic reaction , rate of forward reaction is greater than the rate of backward or reverse reaction, if the process is being carried out at higher temperature or if the temperature is increasing.

Higher temperature increase the energy of reactant to its high Ea or activation energy needed by endothermic reaction.

Yes, what you are saying is also correct that larger Ea make the forward reaction slow but this is only for general case.

Here, in endothermic reaction , the reaction is absorbing energy in high or increasing temperature to make the energy of reactant equal to activation energy. So, the forward reaction is becoming faster.

If you have any confusion even now, feel free to ask.