Chapter 13: Problem 132
Use the initial rate data from the following table to determine the order of the decomposition reaction of \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}:\) $$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}\text { Experiment } & \left[\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\right]_{0}(\mathrm{M}) & \text { Initial Rate }(\mathrm{M} / \mathrm{s}) \\\1 & 0.050 & 1.8 \times 10^{-5} \\\\\hline 2 & 0.100 & 3.6 \times 10^{-5} \\\\\hline\end{array}$$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand reaction order and rate law
Use the rate law for Experiment 1
Use the rate law for Experiment 2
Divide rate laws for both experiments to find the reaction order
Solve for reaction order
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rate Law
- \(k\) is the rate constant, a factor that depends on the temperature and other specific reaction conditions.
- \([\text{Reactant}]\) is the concentration of the reactant.
- \(m\) is the reaction order, which indicates how the concentration of a reactant affects the rate.
The rate law is determined experimentally, as it describes how changes in concentration influence the speed of the reaction. This helps in predicting how a chemical reaction proceeds over time. It’s important to note that the reaction order (\(m\)) is not always equal to the stoichiometric coefficients from the balanced chemical equation.
Decomposition Reaction
- These reactions can be observed in various forms, such as thermal decomposition, where heat causes the compound to split.
- Photochemical decomposition, which is decomposition due to light, is another example.
In the context of \( \mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5} \), the decomposition reaction follows a similar pattern where \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5}\) breaks down into \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\). Decomposition reactions are crucial in processes like recycling, environmental breakdown of substances, and even in biological systems where complex molecules are broken into simpler ones.
N2O5
- \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5}\) decomposes to release nitrogen dioxide (\(\mathrm{NO}_2\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O}_2\)).
- It is pertinent to note that \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5}\) is often studied in controlled environments to understand its reactivity.
Understanding \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5}\)'s behavior in reactions lets chemists predict and manipulate reaction pathways and rates. It also helps demonstrate overall concepts in chemistry, such as reaction kinetics and mechanisms.
Rate Constant
- The rate constant provides critical insight into the reaction’s dynamics. A higher \(k\) means a faster reaction.
- In temperature-dependent studies, the Arrhenius equation often comes into play: \[ k = Ae^{-\frac{E_a}{RT}} \] where \(A\) is the pre-exponential factor, \(E_a\) is activation energy, \(R\) is the gas constant, and \(T\) is temperature in Kelvin.
By calculating the rate constant, chemists can evaluate the conditions under which a reaction is most efficient. In decomposition reactions like that of \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{5}\), understanding \(k\) helps elucidate the relationship between reactants and reaction speed. It’s an essential component for anyone studying reaction kinetics to master.