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Chapter 13: Problem 59

At a given temperature, what factors determine which reactant molecules can become product molecules?

Short Answer

Expert verified
At a given temperature, the factors that determine which reactant molecules can become product molecules include activation energy, concentration of reactants, and reaction rate constants. Activation energy determines if reactant molecules have enough energy to form product molecules, while higher concentrations of reactants increase the likelihood of forming products. Additionally, reactants with higher values of rate constant k are more likely to form products.

Step by step solution

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1. Activation Energy

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for the reactants to react and form products. At a given temperature, only those reactant molecules with energy greater than or equal to the activation energy can overcome the energy barrier and form product molecules. The lower the activation energy, the higher the fraction of reactant molecules that can be converted to product molecules.
02

2. Concentration of Reactants

The greater the concentration of reactants, the higher the chance that reactant molecules will collide and undergo a reaction. In other words, if reactant concentrations are higher, more reactant molecules will be available for reaction, increasing the likelihood of forming product molecules.
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3. Reaction Rate Constants

Reaction rate constants (k) are the proportionality constants that relate the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants. These constants depend on the reaction mechanism, activation energy, and temperature. The rate constant can also be influenced by the presence of a catalyst, which lowers the activation energy and increases the rate constant. At a given temperature, reactants with higher values of the rate constant k will be more likely to form products.
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4. Temperature

Even though the question states that we are considering a given temperature, it's important to note that temperature does play a significant role in determining which reactant molecules can become product molecules. Temperature is directly related to the kinetic energy of the molecules. As temperature increases, the average kinetic energy of the molecules also increases. This means that more reactant molecules will have enough energy to overcome the activation energy barrier and form product molecules. In summary, at a given temperature, the factors that determine which reactant molecules can become product molecules include activation energy, concentration of reactants, and reaction rate constants.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

\(\Delta E_{\mathrm{rxn}}\) for the reaction \(\mathrm{X} \rightarrow \mathrm{Y}\) is \(+30 \mathrm{~kJ}\). (a) Is the reaction endothermic or exothermic? (b) Rewrite the reaction showing heat as either a reactant or a product. (c) What is the value of \(\Delta E_{\mathrm{rxn}}\) for the reverse reaction \(\mathrm{Y} \rightarrow \mathrm{X} ?\) (d) Is the reverse reaction endothermic or exothermic? (e) Will the container in which the forward reaction \(\mathrm{X} \rightarrow\) Y occurs feel hot or cold to the touch? Why?

In the substitution reaction of \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) for \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\) in 2-propanol, explain how \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) acts as a catalyst to increase the reaction rate.

What is one benefit of understanding a reaction's mechanism?

A reaction is exothermic, with \(\Delta E_{\mathrm{rxn}}=-40 \mathrm{~kJ}\), and the transition state is \(20 \mathrm{~kJ}\) higher in energy than the reactants. Sketch a reaction-energy profile consistent with this information, complete with labels for the distances representing \(\Delta E_{\mathrm{rxn}}\) and \(E_{\mathrm{a}} .\)

In a chemical reaction, compound \(C\) is converted to compound D. In the process, energy is released into the surroundings. Which compound is at a higher energy level? Explain your answer.
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