Half life and activation energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on two chemistry homework problems involving activation energy and reaction kinetics. The first problem requires calculating the rate constant ratio for a reaction with a known activation energy at two different temperatures, utilizing the Arrhenius equation. The second problem involves a second-order reaction where the user needs to determine the time required for the reaction to reach 90% completion after being 10% complete at 20 seconds. Participants clarify the application of the Arrhenius equation and the correct interpretation of concentration percentages, leading to a calculated answer of 1600 seconds for the second problem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper assumptions and calculations in solving kinetics problems.
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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