Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Reaction kinetics

Reaction kinetics — practice question

The rate at which 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$, reacts with methanol is examined. With methanol present in large excess, the reaction has an overall first-order rate law. $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl} + \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \rightarrow (\text{CH}_3)_3\text{COCH}_3 + \text{HCl}
(a(i))[1]

Use the graph to work out the reaction rate at $40\,\text{s}$. Show every step in your working.

(a(ii))[2]

Use the graph to demonstrate that the overall reaction is first order. Give an explanation for your answer.

(b)[2]

In another reaction that is also first order, $75\%$ of the reactant is consumed in $320\,\text{s}$. Determine the rate constant, $k$, for this reaction. State the units of $k$.

(c(i))[1]

Define the term standard electrode potential, $E^\circ$.

(c(ii))[1]

In an electrochemical cell, a salt bridge is used. State its function. Explain your answer.

(c(iii))[3]

Complete the diagram of the apparatus that can be used to measure the $E^\circ$ of the $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(\text{aq}),\, \text{H}^+(\text{aq}) / \text{Cr}^{3+}(\text{aq})$ electrode against the standard hydrogen electrode. Your diagram must be fully labelled so that all apparatus, substances and conditions are identified.

(c(iv))[1]

The $E^\circ$ of the $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}(\text{aq}),\, \text{H}^+(\text{aq}) / \text{Cr}^{3+}(\text{aq})$ electrode is $+1.33\,\text{V}$. Label the negative electrode and indicate the direction of electron flow in the external circuit when the current flows in your diagram in (c)(iii).

(d(i))[2]

Ethanal is oxidised to ethanoic acid in the presence of $\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}$ ions. Write the ionic equation for the oxidation of ethanal to ethanoic acid using dichromate(VI) in acid conditions. Calculate the $E^\circ_{\text{cell}}$ for this reaction.

(d(ii))[2]

In an ethanol-oxygen fuel cell, $\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}(\text{l})$ and $\text{O}_2(\text{g})$ are each in contact with inert electrodes dipped into an acidic solution. The cell reaction for the oxidation of ethanol by oxygen is shown. $2\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$, $\quad E^\circ_{\text{cell}} = +2.01\,\text{V}$ Calculate $\Delta G^\circ$, in $\text{kJ mol}^{-1}$, for the oxidation of ethanol by oxygen.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: tangent drawn at $t=40\,\mathrm{s}$ and gradient $=1.70\times10^{-4}\,\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}\,s^{-1}}$

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