Chapter 15: Problem 44
When heated, cyclopropane is converted to propene (see Example 15.5 ). Rate constants for this reaction at \(470^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(510^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) are \(k=1.10 \times 10^{-4} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\) and \(k=1.02 \times10^{-3} \mathrm{s}^{-1},\) respectively. Determine the activation energy, \(E_{\mathrm{a}}\) from these data.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Arrhenius Equation
Convert Temperatures to Kelvin
Use Arrhenius Equation Form
Substitute Values
Calculate Activation Energy
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Arrhenius Equation
- \( k \) is the rate constant.
- \( E_a \) is the activation energy.
- \( R \) is the universal gas constant \(8.314\text{ J/mol K}\).
- \( T \) is the temperature in Kelvin.
- \( A \) represents the pre-exponential factor or frequency factor. This accounts for the frequency of collisions that result in a reaction.
This equation suggests that, at higher temperatures, the exponential term decreases, leading to a larger rate constant, meaning the reaction happens faster. The activation energy \( E_a \) serves as a threshold energy barrier that reactants need to overcome to form products.
Rate Constants
In the given exercise, we have two rate constants at different temperatures:
- At \( 470^{\circ} \text{C} \), \( k_1 = 1.10 \times 10^{-4} \text{ s}^{-1} \).
- At \( 510^{\circ} \text{C} \), \( k_2 = 1.02 \times 10^{-3} \text{ s}^{-1} \).
Temperature Conversion
In our scenario:
- The temperature \( 470^{\circ} \text{C} \) becomes \( 743.15 \text{ K} \).
- Likewise, \( 510^{\circ} \text{C} \) turns into \( 783.15 \text{ K} \).
Chemical Kinetics
Key components in chemical kinetics include:
- The reaction mechanism, which outlines the detailed step-by-step pathway by which reactants become products.
- The rate law, which links the reaction rate with reactant concentrations and rate constants.
- The activation energy \( E_a \), a critical threshold energy that must be overcome for a reaction to occur.