What is the Activation Energy for Juice Spoiling?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the activation energy for the spoiling of orange juice based on its spoilage times at different temperatures. Participants explore the application of the Arrhenius equation to solve the problem, including calculations related to rate constants and temperature effects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the need to use the Arrhenius equation but expresses uncertainty about how to proceed without the rate constants at the two temperatures.
  • Another participant suggests that the ratio of rate constants at the two temperatures is sufficient to calculate the activation energy.
  • A question is raised regarding whether the ratio of rate constants, ##k_1/k_2##, equals 3, based on the spoilage times provided.
  • A participant attempts to calculate the activation energy using the Arrhenius equation but reports obtaining a wrong answer, indicating a potential calculation error.
  • Subsequent replies suggest that the error may stem from the temperature used for the refrigerator in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of the Arrhenius equation and the sufficiency of the rate constant ratio for calculating activation energy. However, there is disagreement regarding the accuracy of the calculations and the specific values used.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the correct temperatures used in calculations and the assumptions made about the rate constants.

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Homework Statement


At room temperature (20°C) orange juice gets spoilt in about 64 hours. In a refrigerator at 3°C juice can be stored three times as long before it gets spoilt. Estimate (a) the activation energy of the reaction that causes the spoiling of juice. (b) How long should it take for juice to get spoilt at 40°C?

(Answer: (a)43.46 kJ mol^(-1) (b) 20.47 hour)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I guess I have to use the Arrhenius equation here but I don't have the rate constants at the two temperatures. How am I supposed to solve this?
 
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You have a ratio between the rate constants at two different temperatures. That is sufficient to calculate the activation energy, even if you do not know the other parameters.
 
mfb said:
You have a ratio between the rate constants at two different temperatures. That is sufficient to calculate the activation energy, even if you do not know the other parameters.

If ##k_1## is the rate constant at 20°C and ##k_2## at 3°C, does that mean ##k_1/k_2=3##?
 
mfb said:
Sure.

I tried that but I end up with a wrong answer.

From Arrhenius equation,
\ln\frac{k_1}{k_2}=-\frac{E_a}{R}\left(\frac{1}{T_1}-\frac{1}{T_2}\right)
Plugging in the values and solving for ##E_a##, I get a wrong answer. Here's the calculation:
Wolfram|Alpha
 
Just a calculation error in the fridge temperature.
fixed
 
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mfb said:
Just a calculation error in the fridge temperature.
fixed

:-p

Thank you!
 

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