AP Chemistry Unit 5 Kinetics

Front

What is the rate law for a reaction?

Back

The rate law expresses the relationship between the rate of a chemical reaction and the concentration of its reactants, typically in the form: Rate = k[A]^n[B]^m, where k is the rate constant, and n and m are the orders of the reaction with respect to reactants A and B.

Front

What does a first order reaction mean?

Back

A first order reaction is one where the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of one reactant. The rate law can be expressed as Rate = k[A], where k is the rate constant.

Front

How is the rate constant (k) related to the slope of a concentration vs. time graph for a first order reaction?

Back

For a first order reaction, the slope of the ln[A] vs. time graph is equal to -k.

Front

What is a reaction intermediate?

Back

A reaction intermediate is a species that is formed in one step of a reaction mechanism and consumed in a subsequent step. It is not present in the overall balanced equation.

Front

How are the orders of a reaction determined experimentally?

Back

The orders of a reaction (n and m in the rate law) are determined through experimental data, often using methods such as the method of initial rates or integrated rate laws.

Front

What is the significance of the rate constant (k)?

Back

The rate constant (k) is a proportionality factor that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentrations of the reactants. It is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.

Front

What is the difference between a catalyst and a reaction intermediate?

Back

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed, while a reaction intermediate is formed and consumed during the reaction.

Front

What does the term 'activated complex' refer to?

Back

The activated complex, or transition state, is a temporary, unstable arrangement of atoms that occurs during the transformation of reactants into products.

Front

What is the relationship between concentration and time for a zero order reaction?

Back

For a zero order reaction, the concentration of the reactant decreases linearly with time, and the rate is constant, independent of the concentration.

Front

What is the integrated rate law for a first order reaction?

Back

The integrated rate law for a first order reaction is ln[A] = -kt + ln[A]₀, where [A]₀ is the initial concentration.