Half life and activation energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around two homework questions related to chemical kinetics, specifically focusing on activation energy and second-order reaction rates. Participants explore the application of the Arrhenius equation and the calculations involved in determining rate constants and reaction completion times.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two homework questions involving activation energy and second-order reaction kinetics.
  • Several participants discuss the relevance and application of the Arrhenius equation in calculating rate constants at different temperatures.
  • There is a suggestion to derive an equation using the Arrhenius equation to relate rate constants at two different temperatures.
  • One participant calculates the ratio of rate constants and finds it to be 2.5 times greater at the higher temperature, though they note they haven't checked their calculations.
  • Another participant inquires about how to approach the second question regarding the time for a reaction to reach 90% completion.
  • There is a discussion about substituting percentages for concentrations in the second-order reaction equation, with some participants clarifying the assumptions regarding initial concentrations.
  • One participant calculates the rate constant and attempts to find the time for the reaction to reach 90% completion, but there is confusion about the initial concentration assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of the Arrhenius equation and the method for calculating rate constants, but there is some confusion regarding the assumptions made about concentrations in the second question. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct approach to the second question.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the initial concentration values used in calculations, which may affect the results. There are also unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning for both questions.

Hemolymph
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Homework Statement


I have two questions that I just don't even know where to start

The activation energy for the reaction CH3CO CH3 + CO is 71 kJ/mol. How many times greater is
the rate constant for this reaction at 170°C than at 150°C?
A) 0.40 B) 1.1 C) 2.5 D) 4.0 E) 5.0

and
A certain reaction A products is second order in A. If this reaction is 10.% complete after 20. s, how
long would it take for the reaction to be 90.% complete?
A) 180 s B) 1600 s C) 440 s D) 18,000 s E) 540 s

Homework Equations



I know the second one is a second order reaction rate which has
1/[A]=1/[A_0]+kt
 
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Have you heard about Arrhenius equation?
 
Borek said:
Have you heard about Arrhenius equation?

I can't see how I can apply the Arrhenius equation if I don't have any activation energies
 
Hemolymph said:
I can't see how I can apply the Arrhenius equation if I don't have any activation energies
Activation energy is given in the problem statement.

You will have to derive an equation using the Arrhenius equation to relate the rate constants. Take logarithm on both the sides of Arrhenius equation. Let the rate constant at temperature T1 be k1 and at temperature T2, let the rate constant be k2. You get the two equations:
k_1=Ae^{-E_a/RT_1}
k_2=Ae^{-E_a/RT_2}
Take logarithm on both the sides of the equation and subtract the equations you get.
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Activation energy is given in the problem statement.

You will have to derive an equation using the Arrhenius equation to relate the rate constants. Take logarithm on both the sides of Arrhenius equation. Let the rate constant at temperature T1 be k1 and at temperature T2, let the rate constant be k2. You get the two equations:
k_1=Ae^{-E_a/RT_1}
k_2=Ae^{-E_a/RT_2}
Take logarithm on both the sides of the equation and subtract the equations you get.

ln(k1/k2)=Ea/R(1/t_2)-(1/t_1)?
 
Hemolymph said:
ln(k1/k2)=Ea/R(1/t_2)-(1/t_1)?

Yes, that's right if you mean ln(k1/k2)=Ea/R((1/t_2)-(1/t_1)). (Take care of parentheses. :smile:)
 
ok so I did

ln(Rate 2/rate1)=71/.008314-((1/423)-(1/443))

got .911452

took e^.911452 = 2.5 so 2.5 times greater is rate 2 to rate 1
 
Hemolymph said:
ok so I did

ln(Rate 2/rate1)=71/.008314-((1/423)-(1/443))

got .911452

took e^.911452 = 2.5 so 2.5 times greater is rate 2 to rate 1

I haven't checked the calculations but your result matches with one of the options so I guess it is correct.
 
Do you know how i could tackle the second one ?
 
  • #10
Hemolymph said:
Do you know how i could tackle the second one ?

You do have posted an equation in the main post. Did you try applying it?
 
  • #11
Would I just be able to just substitute the percentages in as if they were concentrations?
 
  • #12
Hemolymph said:
Would I just be able to just substitute the percentages in as if they were concentrations?

You can do that but the problem is you are not given the percentage of concentration left.
The percentage left after 20 seconds is 90% of the initial concentration. So substitute [A]=0.9[A0], assuming [A0] to be the initial concentration.
 
  • #13
(1/.9)=1/.1+k(20 seconds)

I got k to be .005555

so If I find t i get

(1/.1)=(1/.9)+.005555(t)

9/.0055555=t
t=1600s

that look like the right path to get to the answer?
 
  • #14
Hemolymph said:
(1/.9)=1/.1+k(20 seconds)

How you got 0.1? Did you assume the initial concentration [A0] to be 0.1 M? If so, [A] would be equal to 0.09 M, not 0.9 M.
 
  • #15
Pranav-Arora said:
How you got 0.1? Did you assume the initial concentration [A0] to be 0.1 M? If so, [A] would be equal to 0.09 M, not 0.9 M.

oh i did it wrong then i just assumed it was .1 because 10%=.1
same for 90% being .9
 
  • #16
What's the 10% of 0.1?
 

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