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]^m[B]^n, where k is the rate constant, and m and n are the orders of the reaction with respect to reactants A and B.

Front

How does doubling the concentration of a reactant affect the reaction rate?

Back

If the reactant is first order, doubling its concentration will double the rate. If it is second order, it will quadruple the rate.

Front

What is the effect of a catalyst on a chemical reaction?

Back

A catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy, allowing more collisions to result in a reaction.

Front

What happens to the rate of reaction when temperature is increased?

Back

Increasing the temperature generally increases the rate of reaction because it increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, leading to more frequent and energetic collisions.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What does it mean if a reaction is zero order with respect to a reactant?

Back

If a reaction is zero order with respect to a reactant, the rate of reaction is independent of the concentration of that reactant.

Front

What is the significance of the rate constant (k) in a rate law?

Back

The rate constant (k) is a proportionality factor that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature and is influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of a catalyst.

Front

What is the difference between a fast and slow step in a reaction mechanism?

Back

A fast step occurs quickly and does not significantly affect the overall rate of the reaction, while a slow step is the rate-determining step that controls the overall reaction rate.

Front

What does it mean for a reaction to be at equilibrium?

Back

A reaction is at equilibrium when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.

Front

How does increasing surface area affect the rate of reaction?

Back

Increasing the surface area of a solid reactant increases the rate of reaction by allowing more collisions between reactant particles.