Reaction rate, rate equation and half life

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and involves calculating the reaction rate constant, writing the rate equation, and determining the half-life of the reaction. The context includes homework-related queries and attempts to solve the problem using provided data.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the reaction scheme for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and requests assistance with calculating the reaction rate constant, writing the rate equation, and finding the half-life.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem is elementary and implies that the answers to the rate equation and half-life are straightforward, referencing external resources for clarification.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their answer to the rate equation, indicating they had rearranged their responses.
  • Another participant comments on the convention of quoting first-order rate constants in different time units, suggesting a practical approach to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a lack of consensus on the clarity of the rate equation and half-life calculations, with some participants indicating that the answers are straightforward while others express uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference external resources for definitions and clarifications, indicating potential limitations in understanding specific terms related to the rate equation. The discussion does not resolve the uncertainties expressed regarding the calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals studying chemical kinetics, particularly those seeking assistance with reaction rate calculations and related concepts.

Sabra_a
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Summary: Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, decomposes as per following reaction scheme:
H2O2(l) → H2O(l) + O2(g)
The concentration versus time data for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is given in Table 1.

i) Calculate the reaction rate constant, k, graphically, with the aid of Excel software. Confirm that this is a first-order reaction.
ii) Write the rate equation for the given reaction.
iii) Calculate the half-life for hydrogen peroxide.

I have attached the table and my attempt to solve the question, a feedback will be appreciated. I'm quite stuck on the 2nd and 3rd point

Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 2.05.14 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 2.07.52 PM.png
 

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This ought to be on the homework help, it is so elementary.
The only hard part is question i) which you or someone seems to have solved already.
The answer to ii) is already in the answer given, you only know need to know what "rate equation" means. See your textbook or Wikipedia.
iii) is almost contained in your answer. [A0] Is the starting concentration of H2O2, so when only half of that is left, what will your fourth equation give you?
 
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thank you, for point ii) I wasn't sure about the answer because I thought I answered it in the first part. I rearranged my answers.
Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 6.05.23 PM.png
Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 6.06.12 PM.png
 
Looks OK to me.
I guess 1st order rate constants are officially most often quoted in s-1 though 'at home' in the lab you can find minutes/hours/days convenient..
 
Thank you
 

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