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25 Advanced Solved Numericals on Chemical Kinetics

25 Advanced Solved Numericals on Chemical Kinetics | Chemca

Masterclass: 25 Solved JEE Advanced Numericals on Chemical Kinetics

Conquer the rates of reactions! This exhaustive guide features complex multi-step problems on the Arrhenius equation, sequential/parallel reactions, steady-state approximations, and advanced integrated rate laws. Click "View Solution" to reveal the answers.

Problem 1: Stoichiometry and Rate of Reaction
For the reaction $2N_2O_5(g) \rightarrow 4NO_2(g) + O_2(g)$, the rate of disappearance of $N_2O_5$ is $2.4 \times 10^{-4} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$. Calculate the rate of appearance of $NO_2$ and the overall rate of the reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Write the expression for the overall rate of reaction
According to stoichiometry, the overall rate is defined by dividing individual rates by their stoichiometric coefficients:
$\text{Rate} = -\frac{1}{2} \frac{d[N_2O_5]}{dt} = +\frac{1}{4} \frac{d[NO_2]}{dt} = +\frac{d[O_2]}{dt}$

Step 2: Calculate Overall Rate
We are given $-\frac{d[N_2O_5]}{dt} = 2.4 \times 10^{-4}$.
$\text{Overall Rate} = \frac{1}{2} (2.4 \times 10^{-4}) = 1.2 \times 10^{-4} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$.

Step 3: Calculate Rate of Appearance of $NO_2$
$\frac{1}{4} \frac{d[NO_2]}{dt} = \text{Overall Rate} = 1.2 \times 10^{-4}$
$\frac{d[NO_2]}{dt} = 4 \times 1.2 \times 10^{-4} = 4.8 \times 10^{-4} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$.

Answer: Rate of appearance of $NO_2$ = $4.8 \times 10^{-4} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$; Overall Rate = $1.2 \times 10^{-4} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$.
Problem 2: First-Order Extent of Completion
Prove mathematically that the time required for $99.9\%$ completion of a first-order reaction is exactly $10$ times the half-life ($t_{1/2}$) of the reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Write the integrated rate law for first-order
$t = \frac{2.303}{k} \log_{10} \frac{[A_0]}{[A_t]}$

Step 2: Calculate $t_{99.9\%}$
For $99.9\%$ completion, the amount left is $[A_t] = [A_0] - 0.999[A_0] = 0.001[A_0]$.
$t_{99.9\%} = \frac{2.303}{k} \log_{10} \frac{[A_0]}{0.001[A_0]}$
$t_{99.9\%} = \frac{2.303}{k} \log_{10} (1000) = \frac{2.303}{k} \times 3 = \frac{6.909}{k}$.

Step 3: Relate to Half-Life
We know $t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{k}$.
Let us find the ratio: $\frac{t_{99.9\%}}{t_{1/2}} = \frac{6.909 / k}{0.693 / k} = \frac{6.909}{0.693} \approx 9.96 \approx 10$.

Answer: $t_{99.9\%} \approx 10 \times t_{1/2}$. (Proved).
Problem 3: Arrhenius Equation (Two Temperatures)
The rate constant of a reaction quadruples when the temperature changes from $293 \text{ K}$ to $313 \text{ K}$. Calculate the activation energy (${E_a}$) of the reaction. (Given $R = 8.314 \text{ J K}^{-1} \text{ mol}^{-1}$).
View Solution

Step 1: Write the two-temperature Arrhenius equation
$\log_{10} \left( \frac{k_2}{k_1} \right) = \frac{{E_a}}{2.303 R} \left( \frac{T_2 - T_1}{T_1 T_2} \right)$

Step 2: Identify variables
$k_2 / k_1 = 4$
$T_1 = 293 \text{ K}$, $T_2 = 313 \text{ K}$
$T_2 - T_1 = 20 \text{ K}$

Step 3: Solve for ${E_a}$
$\log_{10} (4) = \frac{{E_a}}{2.303 \times 8.314} \left( \frac{20}{293 \times 313} \right)$
$0.602 = \frac{{E_a}}{19.147} \left( \frac{20}{91709} \right)$
$0.602 = \frac{20 {E_a}}{1755952}$
${E_a} = \frac{0.602 \times 1755952}{20} = 52854 \text{ J mol}^{-1}$.

Answer: Activation Energy (${E_a}$) = $52.85 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$.
Problem 4: Zero Order Kinetics
A zero-order reaction is $50\%$ complete in $20 \text{ minutes}$. How much time will it take for $80\%$ completion?
View Solution

Step 1: Recall Zero-Order properties
For a zero-order reaction, the rate is constant. The amount reacted is directly proportional to time. Integrated rate law: $x = kt$ (where $x$ is the amount reacted).

Step 2: Setup proportionality
$50\%$ completion takes $20 \text{ min}$.
Therefore, $1\%$ completion takes $20 / 50 = 0.4 \text{ min}$.

Step 3: Calculate for $80\%$
Time for $80\%$ = $80 \times 0.4 \text{ min} = 32 \text{ minutes}$.

Answer: It will take $32 \text{ minutes}$.
Problem 5: Initial Rates Method
For $A + B \rightarrow P$, the following initial rate data were obtained:
Exp 1: $[A]=0.1$, $[B]=0.1$, $\text{Rate}=2 \times 10^{-3}$
Exp 2: $[A]=0.1$, $[B]=0.2$, $\text{Rate}=8 \times 10^{-3}$
Exp 3: $[A]=0.2$, $[B]=0.1$, $\text{Rate}=2 \times 10^{-3}$
Determine the rate law and the overall order of the reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Assume a general rate law
$\text{Rate} = k[A]^x[B]^y$

Step 2: Find order with respect to B ($y$)
Compare Exp 1 and Exp 2 (where $[A]$ is constant at $0.1$):
$\frac{\text{Rate}_2}{\text{Rate}_1} = \left(\frac{[B]_2}{[B]_1}\right)^y$
$\frac{8 \times 10^{-3}}{2 \times 10^{-3}} = \left(\frac{0.2}{0.1}\right)^y \implies 4 = 2^y \implies y = 2$.

Step 3: Find order with respect to A ($x$)
Compare Exp 1 and Exp 3 (where $[B]$ is constant at $0.1$):
$\frac{\text{Rate}_3}{\text{Rate}_1} = \left(\frac{[A]_3}{[A]_1}\right)^x$
$\frac{2 \times 10^{-3}}{2 \times 10^{-3}} = \left(\frac{0.2}{0.1}\right)^x \implies 1 = 2^x \implies x = 0$.

Step 4: Finalize
Overall order = $x + y = 0 + 2 = 2$.

Answer: Rate Law: $\text{Rate} = k[B]^2$. Overall Order = $2$.
Problem 6: Polarimetry and Pseudo-First Order
The optical rotation of cane sugar undergoing inversion in dilute acid was measured. At $t=0$, angle $r_0 = +20^{\circ}$. At $t=100 \text{ min}$, $r_t = +8^{\circ}$. At $t=\infty$, $r_{\infty} = -4^{\circ}$. Calculate the first-order rate constant $k$.
View Solution

Step 1: Formula for optical rotation kinetics
For a first-order reaction monitored by optical rotation:
$k = \frac{2.303}{t} \log_{10} \frac{r_0 - r_{\infty}}{r_t - r_{\infty}}$

Step 2: Substitute values
$r_0 - r_{\infty} = 20 - (-4) = 24^{\circ}$ (This is proportional to initial concentration $[A_0]$).
$r_t - r_{\infty} = 8 - (-4) = 12^{\circ}$ (This is proportional to remaining concentration $[A_t]$).

Step 3: Calculate $k$
$k = \frac{2.303}{100} \log_{10} \left( \frac{24}{12} \right)$
$k = \frac{2.303}{100} \log_{10} (2)$
$k = \frac{2.303 \times 0.301}{100} = 0.00693 \text{ min}^{-1}$.

Answer: $k = 6.93 \times 10^{-3} \text{ min}^{-1}$.
Problem 7: Gas Phase First Order Kinetics
A gaseous reaction $A(g) \rightarrow 2B(g) + C(g)$ is first order. At $t=0$, the total pressure in the closed rigid vessel is $P_i = 100 \text{ mmHg}$. After $20 \text{ minutes}$, the total pressure is $150 \text{ mmHg}$. Calculate the rate constant $k$.
View Solution

Step 1: Setup Pressure ICE Table
Initial ($t=0$): $A = P_i$, $B = 0$, $C = 0$. Total = $P_i = 100$.
At time $t$: $A = P_i - p$, $B = 2p$, $C = p$.
Total Pressure ($P_t$) = $(P_i - p) + 2p + p = P_i + 2p$.

Step 2: Find $p$ (pressure reacted)
$150 = 100 + 2p \implies 2p = 50 \implies p = 25 \text{ mmHg}$.

Step 3: Find Partial Pressure of A remaining ($P_A$)
$P_A = P_i - p = 100 - 25 = 75 \text{ mmHg}$.

Step 4: Apply first-order gas equation
$k = \frac{2.303}{t} \log_{10} \frac{P_i}{P_A}$
$k = \frac{2.303}{20} \log_{10} \frac{100}{75} = \frac{2.303}{20} \log_{10} (1.333)$
$k = \frac{2.303 \times 0.125}{20} = 0.0144 \text{ min}^{-1}$.

Answer: $k = 0.0144 \text{ min}^{-1}$.
Problem 8: Activation Energy and Catalysis
A reaction has an activation energy of $60 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$. In the presence of a catalyst, the activation energy drops to $40 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$. Assuming the pre-exponential factor ($A$) remains the same, by what factor is the rate constant increased at $300 \text{ K}$?
View Solution

Step 1: Write Arrhenius expressions
Uncatalyzed: $\ln k_{uncat} = \ln A - \frac{{E_{a1}}}{RT}$
Catalyzed: $\ln k_{cat} = \ln A - \frac{{E_{a2}}}{RT}$

Step 2: Subtract to find the ratio
$\ln \left(\frac{k_{cat}}{k_{uncat}}\right) = \frac{{E_{a1}} - {E_{a2}}}{RT}$
Converting to base 10:
$\log_{10} \left(\frac{k_{cat}}{k_{uncat}}\right) = \frac{{E_{a1}} - {E_{a2}}}{2.303 RT}$

Step 3: Substitute and Calculate
$\Delta {E_a} = 60,000 - 40,000 = 20,000 \text{ J mol}^{-1}$.
$\log_{10} (\text{Ratio}) = \frac{20000}{2.303 \times 8.314 \times 300} = \frac{20000}{5744.1} = 3.48$
$\text{Ratio} = 10^{3.48} \approx 3020$.

Answer: The rate increases by a factor of approximately $3020$.
Problem 9: The Steady State Approximation (SSA)
The decomposition of ozone occurs via a two-step mechanism:
Step 1: $O_3 \rightleftharpoons O_2 + O$ (Fast equilibrium, constants $k_1$ forward, $k_{-1}$ reverse)
Step 2: $O_3 + O \xrightarrow{k_2} 2O_2$ (Slow)
Derive the overall rate law for the disappearance of $O_3$ using the Steady State Approximation for the intermediate atomic Oxygen ($O$).
View Solution

Step 1: Identify the intermediate
Atomic oxygen ($O$) is the highly reactive intermediate. Apply SSA: $\frac{d[O]}{dt} = 0$.

Step 2: Setup SSA equation
Formation of $O$: $k_1[O_3]$.
Consumption of $O$: $k_{-1}[O_2][O] + k_2[O_3][O]$.
$k_1[O_3] - k_{-1}[O_2][O] - k_2[O_3][O] = 0$
Solve for $[O]$: $[O] = \frac{k_1[O_3]}{k_{-1}[O_2] + k_2[O_3]}$

Step 3: Substitute into overall rate
The rate of the overall reaction is defined by the slow step: $\text{Rate} = k_2[O_3][O]$.
$\text{Rate} = k_2[O_3] \left( \frac{k_1[O_3]}{k_{-1}[O_2] + k_2[O_3]} \right) = \frac{k_1 k_2 [O_3]^2}{k_{-1}[O_2] + k_2[O_3]}$.

Step 4: Apply limiting condition
Since Step 2 is very slow, $k_2[O_3] \ll k_{-1}[O_2]$. The denominator simplifies to $k_{-1}[O_2]$.
$\text{Rate} = \frac{k_1 k_2 [O_3]^2}{k_{-1} [O_2]} = k_{obs} \frac{[O_3]^2}{[O_2]}$.

Answer: $\text{Rate} = k_{obs} [O_3]^2 [O_2]^{-1}$. (This exhibits negative order with respect to oxygen!).
Problem 10: Temperature Coefficient
For a specific reaction, the temperature coefficient is exactly $2.0$. If the rate of the reaction at $20^{\circ}\text{C}$ is $X$, what will be the rate of the reaction at $80^{\circ}\text{C}$?
View Solution

Step 1: Understand Temperature Coefficient ($Q_{10}$)
The temperature coefficient tells us the factor by which the rate increases for every $10^{\circ}\text{C}$ (or $10 \text{ K}$) rise in temperature. Here, it doubles ($Q_{10} = 2$).

Step 2: Calculate the number of $10^{\circ}$ intervals
$\Delta T = 80 - 20 = 60^{\circ}\text{C}$.
Number of intervals ($n$) = $60 / 10 = 6$.

Step 3: Calculate the final rate
$\text{Final Rate} = \text{Initial Rate} \times (Q_{10})^n$
$\text{Final Rate} = X \times (2)^6 = X \times 64$.

Answer: The rate will be $64X$.
Problem 11: Parallel First-Order Reactions
Substance A undergoes two parallel first-order reactions:
Path 1: $A \rightarrow B$ with $k_1 = 3 \times 10^{-3} \text{ s}^{-1}$
Path 2: $A \rightarrow C$ with $k_2 = 1 \times 10^{-3} \text{ s}^{-1}$
Calculate the overall half-life of A and the percentage yield of product B.
View Solution

Step 1: Overall Rate Constant ($k_{overall}$)
For parallel first-order paths, the overall rate of disappearance of A is the sum of the individual rates.
$k_{overall} = k_1 + k_2 = (3 + 1) \times 10^{-3} = 4 \times 10^{-3} \text{ s}^{-1}$.

Step 2: Calculate Half-Life
$t_{1/2} = \frac{0.693}{k_{overall}} = \frac{0.693}{4 \times 10^{-3}} = 173.25 \text{ seconds}$.

Step 3: Calculate Percentage Yield
The yield of a specific product is determined by the ratio of its rate constant to the overall rate constant.
$\% \text{ Yield of B} = \frac{k_1}{k_1 + k_2} \times 100 = \frac{3}{4} \times 100 = 75\%$.

Answer: Half-life = $173.25 \text{ s}$; Yield of B = $75\%$.
Problem 12: Second-Order Kinetics Half-Life
For a second-order reaction $2A \rightarrow \text{Products}$, the rate constant is $5.0 \times 10^{-2} \text{ L mol}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}$. If the initial concentration of A is $0.4 \text{ M}$, calculate the time required for the concentration to drop to $0.2 \text{ M}$.
View Solution

Step 1: Recognize the requirement
The concentration dropping from $0.4 \text{ M}$ to $0.2 \text{ M}$ is exactly one half-life ($t_{1/2}$).

Step 2: Use Second-Order Half-Life Formula
Unlike first-order reactions, the half-life of a second-order reaction depends inversely on the initial concentration.
$t_{1/2} = \frac{1}{k[A_0]}$

Step 3: Calculation
$t_{1/2} = \frac{1}{(5.0 \times 10^{-2}) \times 0.4} = \frac{1}{0.02} = 50 \text{ seconds}$.

Answer: It will take $50 \text{ seconds}$.
Problem 13: Intersecting Arrhenius Plots
Two reactions have the exact same rate constant at a certain temperature $T$. Reaction 1 has ${E_{a1}} = 50 \text{ kJ/mol}$ and $A_1 = 10^{10} \text{ s}^{-1}$. Reaction 2 has ${E_{a2}} = 60 \text{ kJ/mol}$ and $A_2 = 10^{12} \text{ s}^{-1}$. Find the temperature $T$ where their graphs intersect.
View Solution

Step 1: Equate their Arrhenius equations
$k_1 = k_2 \implies A_1 e^{-{E_{a1}}/RT} = A_2 e^{-{E_{a2}}/RT}$

Step 2: Take natural logarithm on both sides
$\ln A_1 - \frac{{E_{a1}}}{RT} = \ln A_2 - \frac{{E_{a2}}}{RT}$

Step 3: Rearrange to solve for $T$
$\frac{{E_{a2}} - {E_{a1}}}{RT} = \ln A_2 - \ln A_1 = \ln \left( \frac{A_2}{A_1} \right)$
$T = \frac{{E_{a2}} - {E_{a1}}}{R \ln(A_2/A_1)}$

Step 4: Substitute values
$\Delta {E_a} = 60000 - 50000 = 10000 \text{ J/mol}$.
$\ln(A_2/A_1) = \ln(10^{12}/10^{10}) = \ln(10^2) = 2 \times 2.303 = 4.606$.
$T = \frac{10000}{8.314 \times 4.606} = \frac{10000}{38.29} \approx 261.4 \text{ K}$.

Answer: The graphs intersect at $T = 261.4 \text{ K}$.
Problem 14: Thermodynamics and Activation Energy
For an exothermic reversible reaction $A \rightleftharpoons B$, the activation energy of the forward reaction is $30 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$. The standard enthalpy change ($\Delta H^{\circ}$) of the reaction is $-45 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$. Calculate the activation energy of the backward reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Relationship between $\Delta H$ and ${E_a}$
The enthalpy change of a reaction is strictly the difference between the activation energies of the forward and backward paths.
$\Delta H = {E_{a(forward)}} - {E_{a(backward)}}$

Step 2: Substitute and Solve
$-45 = 30 - {E_{a(backward)}}$
${E_{a(backward)}} = 30 - (-45) = 75 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$.

Concept Check: This makes physical sense. An exothermic reaction drops into a deeper potential energy well, so the backward reaction must climb out of that deep well, requiring a massive activation energy.

Answer: Activation energy of the backward reaction = $75 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$.
Problem 15: General nth Order Half-Life Proportionality
For a specific reaction, when the initial concentration of the reactant is doubled, the half-life period is quartered (reduced to $1/4$th). Determine the order of the reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Recall the generalized half-life formula
For any $n$-th order reaction (except $n=1$), $t_{1/2} \propto \frac{1}{[A_0]^{n-1}}$.

Step 2: Setup ratio
$\frac{(t_{1/2})_2}{(t_{1/2})_1} = \left( \frac{[A_0]_1}{[A_0]_2} \right)^{n-1}$

Step 3: Substitute the given conditions
Let initial concentration be $a$, so $[A_0]_2 = 2a$.
The new half-life is $1/4$th, so ratio is $1/4$.
$1/4 = \left( \frac{a}{2a} \right)^{n-1}$
$(1/2)^2 = (1/2)^{n-1}$

Step 4: Solve for $n$
Equating the exponents: $2 = n - 1 \implies n = 3$.

Answer: The reaction is Third Order ($n=3$).
Problem 16: Radioactivity and Carbon Dating
A piece of wood from an ancient archaeological site shows a Carbon-14 activity of $4.0 \text{ disintegrations per minute per gram}$. Living wood shows an activity of $16.0 \text{ dpm/g}$. If the half-life of C-14 is $5730 \text{ years}$, calculate the age of the ancient wood.
View Solution

Step 1: Understand Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay rigidly follows first-order kinetics. The activity ($A$) is directly proportional to the amount of radioactive nuclei present.
Initial activity $A_0 = 16.0$, Current activity $A_t = 4.0$.

Step 2: Mental Check (Half-Life logic)
The activity dropped from 16 to 8 (1 half-life), then from 8 to 4 (a 2nd half-life). Exactly 2 half-lives have passed.

Step 3: Rigorous Calculation (using decay constant $\lambda$)
$\lambda = \frac{0.693}{5730} = 1.21 \times 10^{-4} \text{ yr}^{-1}$.
$t = \frac{2.303}{\lambda} \log_{10} \frac{A_0}{A_t} = \frac{2.303}{1.21 \times 10^{-4}} \log_{10} \left( \frac{16}{4} \right)$
$t = \frac{2.303}{1.21 \times 10^{-4}} \times \log_{10}(4) = \frac{2.303 \times 0.602}{1.21 \times 10^{-4}} \approx 11460 \text{ years}$.

Answer: The age of the wood is $11,460 \text{ years}$ (exactly two half-lives).
Problem 17: Effective Activation Energy of Parallel Reactions
A reactant decays by two parallel paths. Path 1 has rate constant $k_1$ and activation energy ${E_1}$. Path 2 has rate constant $k_2$ and activation energy ${E_2}$. Derive an expression for the overall effective activation energy (${E_{eff}}$) of the reaction.
View Solution

Step 1: Define Overall Rate Constant
$k_{obs} = k_1 + k_2$

Step 2: Apply Arrhenius definition
The rigorous definition of activation energy is ${E_a} = RT^2 \frac{d(\ln k)}{dT}$.
Applying this to $k_{obs}$:
${E_{eff}} = RT^2 \frac{d}{dT} \ln(k_1 + k_2) = RT^2 \frac{1}{k_1 + k_2} \frac{d(k_1 + k_2)}{dT}$

Step 3: Differentiate individual constants
From Arrhenius, $\frac{dk_1}{dT} = k_1 \frac{{E_1}}{RT^2}$ and $\frac{dk_2}{dT} = k_2 \frac{{E_2}}{RT^2}$.

Step 4: Substitute back
${E_{eff}} = \frac{RT^2}{k_1 + k_2} \left[ k_1 \frac{{E_1}}{RT^2} + k_2 \frac{{E_2}}{RT^2} \right]$
The $RT^2$ terms cancel out brilliantly.

Answer: ${E_{eff}} = \frac{k_1 {E_1} + k_2 {E_2}}{k_1 + k_2}$. This is a weighted average based on the respective rate constants!
Problem 18: Fractional Order and Pre-equilibrium
A reaction between NO and $Cl_2$ proceeds via:
1. $Cl_2 \rightleftharpoons 2Cl$ (Fast equilibrium, $K_c$)
2. $NO + Cl \xrightarrow{k_2} NOCl$ (Slow, Rate determining step)
Derive the rate law. What is the order with respect to $Cl_2$?
View Solution

Step 1: Rate determining step
The rate is governed by the slow step: $\text{Rate} = k_2[NO][Cl]$.
However, $[Cl]$ is an intermediate and cannot appear in the final rate law.

Step 2: Use the pre-equilibrium condition
From Step 1, $K_c = \frac{[Cl]^2}{[Cl_2]} \implies [Cl]^2 = K_c[Cl_2] \implies [Cl] = (K_c)^{1/2}[Cl_2]^{1/2}$.

Step 3: Substitute into rate law
$\text{Rate} = k_2 [NO] \left( (K_c)^{1/2} [Cl_2]^{1/2} \right)$
$\text{Rate} = k_{obs} [NO]^1 [Cl_2]^{1/2}$

Answer: $\text{Rate} = k_{obs} [NO][Cl_2]^{0.5}$. The order with respect to $Cl_2$ is $0.5$ (fractional order).
Problem 19: Time to Reach Reversible Equilibrium
For a reversible first-order reaction $A \rightleftharpoons B$, $k_f = 10^{-2} \text{ s}^{-1}$ and $k_b = 3 \times 10^{-2} \text{ s}^{-1}$. If only A is present initially ($[A_0] = 1 \text{ M}$), what will be the concentration of A at equilibrium, and how long does it take for the reaction to reach $50\%$ of its equilibrium extent?
View Solution

Step 1: Calculate Equilibrium Concentration
At equilibrium, Rate forward = Rate backward. $k_f [A_{eq}] = k_b [B_{eq}]$.
We know $[A_{eq}] + [B_{eq}] = [A_0] = 1$. So $[B_{eq}] = 1 - [A_{eq}]$.
$10^{-2} [A_{eq}] = 3 \times 10^{-2} (1 - [A_{eq}])$
$[A_{eq}] = 3 - 3[A_{eq}] \implies 4[A_{eq}] = 3 \implies [A_{eq}] = 0.75 \text{ M}$.

Step 2: Calculate relaxation time (Half-life of approach)
For a reversible first-order system, the approach to equilibrium behaves like a simple first-order reaction with an effective rate constant $k_{eff} = k_f + k_b$.
$k_{eff} = 10^{-2} + 3 \times 10^{-2} = 4 \times 10^{-2} \text{ s}^{-1}$.
$t_{50\% \text{ to eq}} = \frac{0.693}{k_{eff}} = \frac{0.693}{0.04} = 17.325 \text{ seconds}$.

Answer: $[A_{eq}] = 0.75 \text{ M}$; Time to $50\%$ equilibrium = $17.3 \text{ seconds}$.
Problem 20: Reversing the Activation Energy Vector
The pre-exponential factor ($A$) for a reaction is $10^{14} \text{ s}^{-1}$. At what temperature does the reaction rate constant $k$ reach exactly half the theoretical maximum possible rate constant? (${E_a} = 50 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$).
View Solution

Step 1: Define theoretical maximum
From $k = A e^{-{E_a}/RT}$, the theoretical maximum rate constant (at $T = \infty$ where $e^0 = 1$) is exactly $A$.
The problem asks for the temperature where $k = A/2$.

Step 2: Setup Arrhenius
$A/2 = A e^{-{E_a}/RT}$
$1/2 = e^{-{E_a}/RT}$

Step 3: Solve for T
Take natural log of both sides: $\ln(1/2) = -{E_a}/RT \implies -\ln 2 = -{E_a}/RT$
$\ln 2 = {E_a}/RT \implies T = \frac{{E_a}}{R \ln 2}$.
$T = \frac{50000}{8.314 \times 0.693} = \frac{50000}{5.761} \approx 8696 \text{ K}$.

Answer: The temperature must reach an extreme $8696 \text{ K}$ for the rate to hit half its theoretical cap.
Problem 21: Mean Life vs Half Life
Prove that the average life (mean life, $\tau$) of a radioactive substance is greater than its half-life, and calculate the exact ratio $\tau / t_{1/2}$.
View Solution

Step 1: Definitions
Half life $t_{1/2} = \frac{\ln 2}{k} \approx \frac{0.693}{k}$.
Mean life ($\tau$) is the sum of lifetimes of all atoms divided by total atoms, derived via calculus as $\tau = \frac{1}{k}$.

Step 2: Compare
$\tau = \frac{1}{k} = 1.44 \times \frac{0.693}{k} = 1.44 \times t_{1/2}$.
Since $1.44 > 1$, average life is greater than half-life.

Answer: $\tau / t_{1/2} = 1 / \ln 2 \approx 1.44$.
Problem 22: Consecutive Reactions ($t_{max}$)
For the consecutive first-order reaction $A \xrightarrow{k_1} B \xrightarrow{k_2} C$, derive or use the formula to calculate the exact time ($t_{max}$) at which the concentration of the intermediate B reaches its absolute maximum. Given $k_1 = 2 \text{ s}^{-1}$ and $k_2 = 1 \text{ s}^{-1}$.
View Solution

Step 1: Use the $t_{max}$ formula
From solving the complex differential equations for consecutive kinetics, the time of maximum intermediate concentration is given by:
$t_{max} = \frac{\ln(k_1/k_2)}{k_1 - k_2}$

Step 2: Substitute and solve
$t_{max} = \frac{\ln(2/1)}{2 - 1} = \frac{\ln 2}{1} = 0.693 \text{ seconds}$.

Answer: $t_{max} = 0.693 \text{ s}$.
Problem 23: Pseudo-First Order (Hydrolysis of Ester)
During the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of ethyl acetate, the volume of $NaOH$ required to neutralize $10 \text{ mL}$ aliquots of the reaction mixture was $10 \text{ mL}$ at $t=0$, $15 \text{ mL}$ at $t=10 \text{ min}$, and $30 \text{ mL}$ at $t=\infty$. Calculate the rate constant.
View Solution

Step 1: Understand the Titration Data
At $t=0$, the volume $V_0$ corresponds to the acid catalyst alone.
At $t=\infty$, $V_{\infty}$ corresponds to the catalyst + total acetic acid produced (which relates to initial ester $[A_0]$).
At $t$, $V_t$ corresponds to catalyst + acetic acid produced so far.

Step 2: Proportionalities
$[A_0] \propto (V_{\infty} - V_0) = 30 - 10 = 20$.
$[A_t] \propto (V_{\infty} - V_t) = 30 - 15 = 15$.

Step 3: Calculate $k$
$k = \frac{2.303}{t} \log_{10} \frac{V_{\infty} - V_0}{V_{\infty} - V_t}$
$k = \frac{2.303}{10} \log_{10} \left(\frac{20}{15}\right) = \frac{2.303}{10} \log_{10} (1.333) = 0.0287 \text{ min}^{-1}$.

Answer: $k = 0.0287 \text{ min}^{-1}$.
Problem 24: Non-Integer Order Integration
A reaction has a rate law given by $\text{Rate} = k[A]^{1.5}$. Derive the integrated rate law and calculate the time taken for the concentration to drop from $4.0 \text{ M}$ to $1.0 \text{ M}$ if $k = 0.1 \text{ M}^{-0.5} \text{ s}^{-1}$.
View Solution

Step 1: Setup Calculus
$-\frac{d[A]}{dt} = k[A]^{3/2} \implies [A]^{-3/2} d[A] = -k dt$

Step 2: Integrate
$\int_{[A_0]}^{[A_t]} [A]^{-1.5} d[A] = -k \int_0^t dt$
$\left[ \frac{[A]^{-0.5}}{-0.5} \right] = -kt \implies -2 \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{[A_t]}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{[A_0]}} \right) = -kt$
$kt = 2 \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{[A_t]}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{[A_0]}} \right)$

Step 3: Calculate time
$0.1 \times t = 2 \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{4}} \right) = 2 \left( 1 - 0.5 \right) = 2(0.5) = 1.0$
$t = 1.0 / 0.1 = 10 \text{ seconds}$.

Answer: $t = 10 \text{ seconds}$.
Problem 25: Graphical Arrhenius Analysis
For a given reaction, a plot of $\ln k$ versus $1/T$ yields a straight line with a slope of $-12000 \text{ K}$ and an intercept of $25$ on the y-axis. Calculate the activation energy (${E_a}$) in $\text{kJ/mol}$ and the pre-exponential factor ($A$).
View Solution

Step 1: Match with Arrhenius equation
$\ln k = -\frac{{E_a}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{T}\right) + \ln A$.
This is in the form $y = mx + c$, where $y = \ln k$ and $x = 1/T$.

Step 2: Extract ${E_a}$ from Slope
Slope ($m$) = $-{E_a}/R$.
$-12000 = -{E_a} / 8.314 \implies {E_a} = 12000 \times 8.314 = 99768 \text{ J/mol}$.

Step 3: Extract $A$ from Intercept
Intercept ($c$) = $\ln A = 25$.
$A = e^{25}$.

Answer: ${E_a} = 99.77 \text{ kJ/mol}$; $A = e^{25} \text{ s}^{-1}$.

Mastering the Rates of Chemistry

Congratulations on tackling these 25 highly advanced numericals on Chemical Kinetics. While thermodynamics tells us whether a reaction is possible, kinetics governs whether it happens in a microsecond or a millennium. From navigating complex Arrhenius temperature shifts to applying the Steady-State Approximation on fleeting intermediates, you now possess the mathematical rigorousness demanded by top-tier engineering and medical entrance exams. Keep refining your integration skills, and always watch your units!

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