Reaction Rate and Activation Energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between reaction rates and activation energy in chemical reactions, specifically focusing on the stoichiometry of reactants and products, as well as the application of the Arrhenius equation to determine temperature effects on reaction rates. The scope includes theoretical aspects and mathematical reasoning related to chemical kinetics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the rate of disappearance of hydrogen gas is related to the stoichiometric coefficients in the reaction, indicating that hydrogen disappears at twice the rate of methanol's appearance.
  • There is a proposal that the correct expression for the rate of disappearance of hydrogen gas is -d[H2]/2dt = d[CH3OH]/dt, highlighting the importance of mole ratios.
  • Participants question the formulation of the Arrhenius equation, particularly the switching of k values in the logarithmic ratio, and discuss the implications of the negative sign in the activation energy term.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the method used to calculate the temperature at which the rate constant is 0.00447 1/sec, seeking confirmation on the correctness of their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the correct interpretation of the stoichiometric relationships in the reaction rates and the formulation of the Arrhenius equation. The discussion remains unresolved as different viewpoints are presented without consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the stoichiometric coefficients and the mathematical steps involved in applying the Arrhenius equation, which remain unresolved.

Soaring Crane
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1) Methanol can be produced by the following reaction:
CO (g) + 2H2 (g) --> CH30H (g)

How is the rate of disappearance of hydrogen gas related to the rate of appearance of methanol?
-delta

/delta t = ?

a. + delta

/delta t
b. + 1delta[CH3OH]/2delta t
c. + 2 delta [CH3OH]/delta t
d. none of the above

Is it d because the rates are supposed to be determined experimentally?


2) The first order isomerization of cyclopropane -> propene has a rate constant of 0.00026 1/sec at 435 Celsius with an activation energy of 264 kJ/mol. What is the temperature at which the rate constant is 0.00447 1/sec? Calculate your answer in kelvins.

k2 = 0.00447 1/s
k1 = 0.00026 1/s
T1 = 435 C = 708.15 K
E_a = 264 kJ/mol = 2640 J/mol

ln (k2/k1) = (-E_a/R)*[(1-T2) - (1/T1)]?

1/T2 = [-ln (k2/k1)/(-E_a/R)] + (1/T1)
1/T2 = -ln(0.00447/.00026)/[-2640 J/mol/(8.314)] + (1/708.15 K)
=0.0096133567 + (1/708.15 K) = 0.011025

1/0.011025 = 90.69 K = 90.7 K?

Is the correct final answer and method?

Thank you.

 
Last edited:
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number 1:
no, it has to do with the mole ratios.

number 2:
the equation should be:
[tex]ln(\frac{K_1}{K_2}) = \frac {E_a}{R} (\frac{1}{T_2}- \frac{1}{T_1})[/tex]
 
Last edited:
1. So the rates are determined stoichiometrically? (I thought this was wrong.) The answer then would be b.??

2. ln (k2/k1) = (-E_a/R)*[(1-T2) - (1/T1)] I got this equation in my text. Why is the ratio of k's switched? (The - on the E_a/R will cancel out in solving for T2.)


Thanks.
 
Last edited:
1. no, hydrogen gas disappears at twice the rate

2. I'm sorry, I didn't notice the negative sign that you put in front of [itex]E_a[/itex]
 
Last edited:
I'm pretty sure that

[tex]- \frac{d[H_2]}{2dt}= \frac{d[CH3OH]}{dt}[/tex]

opposite signs just in case the latex isn't showing up
 

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