Finding rate constant from pressure change in an experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rate constant (k) for a reaction involving hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst, using pressure changes measured with a Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor. The initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide was 0.88 mol/dm³, and the maximum pressure recorded was 145 kPa at 70°C. The participant derived the final concentration of oxygen as 0.477 mol/dm³ after 180 seconds, leading to a calculated rate of 0.0053 mol/dm³/s for hydrogen peroxide depletion. The participant identified a potential error in their calculations, as the concentration of hydrogen peroxide appeared to become negative, indicating the reaction did not reach completion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT)
  • Knowledge of reaction kinetics and rate constants
  • Familiarity with Arrhenius equation for activation energy
  • Experience with Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor for pressure measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to accurately calculate rate constants using concentration data
  • Research the Arrhenius equation and its application in determining activation energy
  • Explore methods for ensuring complete reactions in kinetic studies
  • Investigate the use of pressure sensors in chemical kinetics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, laboratory technicians, and researchers involved in reaction kinetics and thermodynamics will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement
I measured the change in pressure for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a manganese(IV) oxide catalyst at 5 different temperatures
Relevant Equations
MnO2(s)
2H2O2(l) --> O2(g)+2H2O(l)
Is there any way that I can find concentrations and then find the rate constant, k? And, using them, make an Arrhenius graph to find activation energy (including the catalyst)? Any help would be much appreciated.

Change in pressure was found using a Vernier Gas Pressure Sensor. The starting concentration of hydrogen peroxide was 3% or 0.88mol. The starting pressure was always around 98kPa. The catalyst and hydrogen peroxide were mixed together after the stopper was put on the flask. The increasing pressure was measured and the highest it went to (at 70C) was around 145kPa.
Here is an example of what I have done so far to try and find the rate constant to plot on an Arrhenius graph:

At 303.15K
PV=nRT
P/(RT)=n/v, which is the same as concentration.
120.3/(8.314*303.15) = 0.477 mol/dm^3
0.477mol/dm^3 is the final concentration of oxygen created after 180s had elapsed.
0.477mol/dm^3/180s = 0.00265 mol/dm^3/s
The ratio between oxygen and hydrogen peroxide is 1:2, therefore the rate at which hydrogen peroxide was depleted at is 0.0053 mol/dm^3/s
The ending concentration must be 0.88M - (0.0053mol/dm^3/s x 180s) = -0.074 mol/dm^3
And this is where I think something has gone wrong... The pressure continued to increase even after this 180s so I do not think the reaction went to completion.

I would then use the equation k = rate / [final concentration hydrogen peroxide] to find k.
 
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See my answer on chemical forums.
 
mjc123 said:
See my answer on chemical forums.
Haha I guess you can tell I really wanted some help. Anyways thank you again!
 

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