Why is the transition state of the reaction always so high in energy? A. Breaking bonds always requires energy, and getting to the transition state requires breaking these bonds. B. Forming bonds always requires energy, and getting to the transition state requires forming these bonds. C. Breaking bonds always releases energy, and getting to the transition state requires breaking these bonds. D. Forming bonds always releases energy. and getting over the transition state requires forming these bonds.
The answer is B. Forming bonds requires energy and breaking bonds releases energy. The transition state is the highest point in one reaction energy profile. Before the transition state, the energy increases which means transition state absorbs energy.
