Suppose the reaction in Problem 14.105 goes to completion. What must be true about E_a for the forward reaction relative to E_a for the reverse reaction?

Data from Problem 14.105

Suppose the reaction A₂ + B₂ ⇆ 2 AB proceeds via a one-step mechanism involving a collision between one A₂ molecule and one B₂ molecule. Suppose also that this reaction is reversible, and that the forward reaction is inherently much faster than the reverse reaction.

(a) Does the equilibrium lie to the left or to the right? Explain your choice in terms of the reactant and product concentrations necessary to establish equal forward and reverse rates.

(b) Does an analysis in terms of the relationship K_eq = k_f/k_r yield the same answer as in (a)? Explain.