Topic 2 - Managing Chemical Processes Flashcards
What is a rate of reaction?
Rate of reactions refer to the rate at which chemical reactions occur over time. This can either be represented by the rate in which a product is formed or the rate in which a reactant is consumed.
How is rate of reaction measured?
The rate of reaction is measured using a concentration VS time graph. The gradient formula can be used to calculate average rate of reaction over an entire graph. Whereas, the gradient formula of a tangent at a specific point or differential calculus can be used to calculate the instantaneous rate of reaction at a specific point.
What does a steep slope mean in regards to rates of reaction?
A steep slope indicates a rapid rate of reaction.
What does a shallow slope mean in regards to rates of reaction?
A shallow slope indicates a slow rate of reaction.
What does zero slope mean in regards to rates of reaction?
Zero slope indicates no reaction occurring or the reaction has reached equilibria.
Does bond breaking require or release energy?
Bond breaking requires energy.
Does bond forming require or release energy?
Bond forming releases energy.
What occurs in relation to energy within all chemical reactions?
In all chemical reactions, there will be either a net release of energy into the surroundings or a net absorption of energy from the surroundings.
What happens to energy during an exothermic reaction?
Net release of heat energy to the surroundings, and the temperature of the surroundings increases.
What happens to energy during an endothermic reaction?
Net absorption of heat energy from the surroundings, and temperature of surroundings decreases.
Define enthalpy.
Enthalpy (H) is the total heat energy of the system at constant pressure and volume.
Define change in enthalpy.
The quantity of heat released when one mole of a substance reacts at a constant pressure.
Draw and explain an exothermic energy profile diagram.
Energy/heat is released. The energy of the reactants is greater than the energy of the products, as energy is emitted to surroundings. The change in enthalpy is negative.
Draw and explain an endothermic energy profile diagram.
Energy/heat is absorbed. The energy of the products is greater than the energy of the reactants, as energy is taken from the surroundings. The change in enthalpy is positive.
What does collision theory describe?
Collision theory is used to explain chemical reactions and the factors that affect the rate of the reaction. Reactants are particles that must collide with each other in order to react and form products.
What do successful collisions result in?
Product formation.
What do unsuccessful collisions result in?
No products formed and no chemical change.
What are the conditions for successful collisions?
- The reactant particles (molecules, atoms or ions) must collide.
- The colliding particles must have energy equal to or greater than the activation energy for the reaction.
- The reactant particles must collide in the correct orientation for a reaction to occur.
What is phrase used to describe the number of successful collisions per unit time?
The frequency of successful collisions.
What does the rate of reaction depend on?
The frequency of successful collisions.
What does a higher/lower frequency of successful collisions do to the reaction rate?
A higher frequency of successful collisions results in a quicker reaction rate. Whereas, a lower frequency of successful collisions results in a slower reaction rate.
What factors alter the rate of reaction?
Temperature, concentration, pressure, surface area, catalysis, and enzymes.
How does temperature impact rate of reaction?
The temperature of a substance is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the particles. This means that a higher temperature will result in faster particle movement due to a greater amount of kinetic energy. This increases the chances of molecules colliding with energy equal to or greater than the required activation energy. The frequency of successful collisions increases, thus increasing the rate of reaction.
How does concentration impact rate of reaction?
The higher the concentration, the more particles per unit volume. The closer particles are together, the more likely they are to collide. Thus, increasing the concentration of reactants, increases the frequency of successful collisions - causing a quicker rate of reaction.
How are pressure and volume related?
The pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume.
How does pressure impact rate of reaction?
The pressure of a gas can be increased by decreasing the volume, allowing particles to collide more frequently. Specifically, decreasing the container size increases the gas pressure, which increases the probability of successful collisions and, indirectly, the frequency of successful collisions.
How does surface area impact rate of reaction?
Only the particles/atoms on the surface of a solid and able to collide with other reactant particles. Increasing the surface area of a reactant, increases the number of exposed particles which increases the frequency of successful collisions - quickening the rate of reaction.
How do catalysts impact rate of reaction?
Catalysts increase the rate of reaction by providing alternate energy pathways that lower the activation energy. They do so by increasing the proportion of reactants that possess energy equal to or greater than the required activation energy. Thus, catalysts increase the frequency of successful collisions, quickening the rate of reaction. Catalysts are not consumed during the reaction and remain chemically unchanged at the completion of the reaction (only small amounts are required).
What is the difference between homogenous and heterogenous catalysts?
Homogenous catalysts mean it have the same state (solid, liquid, gas) as the reactants.
Heterogenous catalysts have a different state to the reactants. Generally, homogenous catalysts function more effectively.
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are large protein molecules that act as biological catalysts. The catalytic ability of enzymes is linked to its unique 3D structure, in particular the shape of the active site where the reaction occurs.
How do enzymes impact rate of reaction?
Introducing an enzyme increases the proportion of reactants the possess energy equal to or greater than the required activation energy. This provides an alternate energy pathway that has lower activation energy, increasing the frequency of successful collisions and thus increasing the rate of reaction.
What distinguishes an irreversible reaction?
Irreversible reactions have a single directional arrow. The reactants collide to form products but the products cannot collide to form reactants. This means that only the “forward” reaction occurs.
What distinguishes a reversible reaction?
Reversible reactants have an equilibrium reaction, indicating that the reaction can go both directions. The reactants collide to form products, and the products can collide to form reactants. Both the “forward” and “backward” reactions can occur.
What is equilibrium?
When the rate of the forward reaction and the backward reaction are equal, the system is said to be at equilibrium.
What are the characteristic of equilibrium?
Equilibrium is a dynamic (moving) process, meaning the reaction has not stopped when it reaches equilibrium. It is just happening equally as fast in both directions. At equilibrium, there is no change in observed or measured properties such as colour, temperature, pH, pressure and concentration.
What are the conditions of equilibrium?
A system can only reach equilibrium if:
1. It is a closed system (reactants/products cannot be lost or gained to/from surroundings).
2. It is at constant pressure.
How is equilibrium tracked? What does this look like generally?
Equilibrium is tracked using rate VS time graphs. At the beginning of the reaction, once reactants are present. This means the rate of the forward reaction is greater than the rate of the backwards reaction. As the products form, the rate of the backward reaction increases. Thus, as more reactants are consumed, the rate of the forward reaction decreases. Eventually, the rate of the forward and backward reaction are equal and equilibrium has been reached.
What does a higher molar ratio of reactants do to equilibrium graphs?
The distance between the initial and equilibrium point is increased with the molar ratio. Stoichiometric ratios can be used to predict these equilibrium curves.
What happens to the equilibrium graph if the molar ratio of reactants to products is 1:2 (A <–> 2B)?
The decrease of concentration of the reactants will be half of the concentration curve or the products.
What is the general equation for the equilibrium constant?
Kc = [C]^c[D]^d/[A]^a[B]^b for the equation aA + bB <–> cC + dD
where [A], [B], [C] and [D] are concentrations of species A, B, C and D at equilibrium
What does the equilibrium constant describe?
The equilibrium constant describes the position of equilibrium (whether the reactants or products are favoured).