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Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics
Chapter 14, Problem 127b

Consider the reversible, first-order interconversion of two molecules A and B: where kf = 3.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the forward reaction and kr = 1.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the reverse reaction. We'll see in Chapter 15 that a reaction does not go to completion but instead reaches a state of equilibrium with comparable concentrations of reactants and products if the rate constants kf and kr have comparable values.
(b) Draw a qualitative graph that shows how the rates of the forward and reverse reactions vary with time.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reversible Reactions

Reversible reactions are chemical processes that can proceed in both the forward and reverse directions. In such reactions, the products can react to form the original reactants, allowing the system to reach a state of dynamic equilibrium where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. This concept is crucial for understanding how concentrations of reactants and products change over time.
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Rate Constants

Rate constants (k) are specific values that quantify the speed of a reaction at a given temperature. For a first-order reaction, the rate constant determines how quickly reactants are converted to products. In the context of the question, the forward rate constant (kf) and the reverse rate constant (kr) indicate the relative speeds of the two directions of the reaction, influencing the equilibrium position.
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Equilibrium

Chemical equilibrium occurs when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products over time. At equilibrium, the system is dynamic, meaning that reactions continue to occur, but there is no net change in concentration. Understanding equilibrium is essential for predicting the behavior of reversible reactions and interpreting the qualitative graph of reaction rates.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Consider the following concentration–time data for the reaction of iodide ion and hypochlorite ion (OCl-). The products are chloride ion and hypoiodite ion (OI-).

(b) Determine the rate law, and calculate the value of the rate constant.

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Textbook Question

Consider the following concentration–time data for the reaction of iodide ion and hypochlorite ion (OCl-). The products are chloride ion and hypoiodite ion (OI-).

(d) Propose a mechanism that is consistent with the rate law, and express the rate constant in terms of the rate constants for the elementary steps in your mechanism. (Hint: Transfer of an H+ ion between H2O and OCl- is a rapid reversible reaction.)

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Textbook Question

Consider the reversible, first-order interconversion of two molecules A and B: where kf = 3.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the forward reaction and kr = 1.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the reverse reaction. We'll see in Chapter 15 that a reaction does not go to completion but instead reaches a state of equilibrium with comparable concentrations of reactants and products if the rate constants kf and kr have comparable values.

(a) What are the rate laws for the forward and reverse reactions?

452
views
Textbook Question

Consider the reversible, first-order interconversion of two molecules A and B: where kf = 3.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the forward reaction and kr = 1.0⨉10-3 s-1 is the rate constant for the reverse reaction. We'll see in Chapter 15 that a reaction does not go to completion but instead reaches a state of equilibrium with comparable concentrations of reactants and products if the rate constants kf and kr have comparable values.

(c) What are the relative concentrations of B and A when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal?

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Textbook Question
Assume that you are studying the first-order conversion of a reactant X to products in a reaction vessel with a constant volume of 1.000 L. At 1 p.m., you start the reaction at 25 °C with 1.000 mol of X. At 2 p.m., you find that 0.600 mol of X remains, and you immediately increase the temperature of the reaction mixture to 35 °C. At 3 p.m., you discover that 0.200 mol of X is still present. You want to finish the reaction by 4 p.m. but need to continue it until only 0.010 mol of X remains, so you decide to increase the temperature once again. What is the minimum temperature required to convert all but 0.010 mol of X to products by 4 p.m.?
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Textbook Question
The half-life for the first-order decomposition of N2O4 is 1.3 * 10-5 s. N2O41g2S 2 NO21g2 If N2O4 is introduced into an evacuated flask at a pressure of 17.0 mm Hg, how many seconds are required for the pressure of NO2 to reach 1.3 mm Hg?
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