In the decomposition of H2 O2 at 300 Kelvin the energy of activation w...
Calculation of Reaction Rate:
- The rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction can be calculated using the Arrhenius equation: k = Ae^(-Ea/RT), where Ea is the activation energy, R is the gas constant, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and A is the pre-exponential factor.
- For the uncatalyzed reaction: k_uncatalyzed = A * e^(-18,000 cal/mol / (1.987 cal/mol*K * 300 K)) = A * e^(-18,000 cal/mol / 596.1 cal/mol) = A * e^(-30.2)
- For the catalyzed reaction: k_catalyzed = A * e^(-12,000 cal/mol / (1.987 cal/mol*K * 300 K)) = A * e^(-12,000 cal/mol / 596.1 cal/mol) = A * e^(-20.1)
Comparison of Reaction Rates:
- The ratio of the catalyzed rate constant to the uncatalyzed rate constant can be calculated: k_catalyzed / k_uncatalyzed = (A * e^(-20.1)) / (A * e^(-30.2)) = e^(10.1)
- Therefore, the catalyzed reaction is e^(10.1) times faster than the uncatalyzed reaction.
- This means that the presence of the catalyst increases the reaction rate by a factor of approximately 22,026.
Explanation:
- The decrease in activation energy from 18 kcal/mol to 12 kcal/mol in the presence of the catalyst lowers the energy barrier for the reaction to occur.
- This allows more reactant molecules to overcome the activation energy barrier and participate in the reaction, leading to a significant increase in the reaction rate.
- The catalyst provides an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, thereby accelerating the rate of the reaction.
- Overall, the catalyzed reaction proceeds much faster than the uncatalyzed reaction due to the lower energy barrier provided by the catalyst.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed JEE study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in JEE.