Reaction kinetics

Question 1

Define order of reaction.

Answer 1

The order of reaction with respect to a particular reactant is the power to which the concentration of that reactant is raised in the equation.

Question 2

Define half-life.

Answer 2

Time taken for the concentration of a reactant to decrease to half of its original value.

Question 3

Define rate-determining step.

Answer 3

The slowest step in the reaction mechanism.

Question 4

Define homogenous catalyst.

Answer 4

Catalyst that is in the same phase as the reaction mixture.

Question 5

Define heterogenous catalyst.

Answer 5

Catalyst that is in a different phase to the reaction mixture.

Question 6

Define chemical adsorption.

Answer 6

It occurs when molecules become bonded to atoms on the surface of a solid.

Question 7

Describe the mode of action of a heterogenous catalyst.

Answer 7

Reactants adsorb to surface of catalyst.

Bonds in reactant weaken.

Reaction occurs and products are desorbed.