Chemical Kinetics Energy diagram question

Question

Based on the relative stabilities and barriers, which among the following schematic energy diagrams would best correspond to the reaction scheme shown below? [k and k' are similar in magnitude]

Answer 1

Correct option is (A)

Given:

∵ k = k' (similar in magnitude)

∴ \(4k < 8k'\)

it means, the rate of conversion from Y to Z in forward direction is much greater than conversion from X to Y. On the other hand, the activation energy for conversion from X to Y is much greater than the activation energy for conversion from Y to Z.

In option (A) only have activation energy for conversion from X to Y is greater than conversion from Y to Z.