Four reactions take place at the same temperature with the following estimated energy parameters:
• Reaction A: ΔH = −50 kJ mol⁻¹, Ea = 40 kJ mol⁻¹
• Reaction B: ΔH = −100 kJ mol⁻¹, Ea = 80 kJ mol⁻¹
• Reaction C: ΔH = +20 kJ mol⁻¹, Ea = 30 kJ mol⁻¹
• Reaction D: ΔH = −75 kJ mol⁻¹, Ea = 25 kJ mol⁻¹
Which reaction is most likely to be both highly exothermic and the fastest under these conditions?
a) Reaction C
b) Reaction B
c) Reaction D
d) Reaction A