Topic 6: Chemical Kinetics

Question 1

Define the term rate of reaction

Answer 1

The change in concentration of a reactant or product over a change in time.

Question 2

What are the units for rate of reaction?

Answer 2

mol dm-3 s-1

Question 3

Define a catalyst

Answer 3

A substance that increases the rate of reaction by providing an alternate route for the reaction with a lower activation energy.

Question 4

Define the term activation energy

Answer 4

The minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to proceed.

Question 5

What is the collision theory?

Answer 5

Particles must collide with energy equal to, or greater, than the activation energy of the reaction and they must collide with the correct orientation (geometry).

Question 6

Define the term reaction intermediates

Answer 6

Species that appear in the elementary steps but not in the overall balanced equation.

Question 7

What is the relationship between temperature and the rate constant?

Answer 7

When the temperature increases, so too will the rate constant.

Question 8

Zero order units

Answer 8

mol dm-3 s-1

Question 9

First order units

Answer 9

s-1

Question 10

Second order units

Answer 10

mol-1 dm3 s-1

Question 11

Third order units

Answer 11

mol-2 dm6 s-1