Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Reaction kinetics

Reaction kinetics — practice question

Three separate experiments are performed to examine the reaction between nitrogen oxide, $\text{NO}$, and chlorine. $\text{2NO} + \text{Cl}_2 \rightarrow \text{2NOCl}$ The rate equation for this reaction is given below. $\text{rate} = k[\text{NO}]^2[\text{Cl}_2]$
(a(i))[1]

For experiments 1 and 2, the value of $k$ is $26.4$. The reaction rate is measured in $\text{mol dm}^{-3}\text{ s}^{-1}$. State the units of $k$.

(a(ii))[2]

In experiment 1, the initial concentrations of $\text{NO}$ and $\text{Cl}_2$ are the same. The initial rate for experiment 1 is $2.57 \times 10^{-6}\, \text{mol dm}^{-3}\text{ s}^{-1}$. Calculate the initial concentration of $\text{NO}$. Show all working.

(a(iii))[1]

In experiment 2, the initial concentrations of $\text{NO}$ and $\text{Cl}_2$ are both 10 times larger than the initial concentrations in experiment 1. Calculate the initial rate for experiment 2.

(b(i))[1]

The graph of $[\text{Cl}_2]$ against time shows that the reaction has a constant half-life, $t_{\frac{1}{2}}$. Explain this observation.

(b(ii))[1]

Under the conditions used in experiment 3, the value of the rate constant is 105.6. Show that $t_{\frac{1}{2}}$ of $[\text{Cl}_2]$ is $6.56 \times 10^{3}\ \text{s}$ for these conditions.

(b(iii))[1]

Calculate the time taken, in s, for $[\text{Cl}_2]$ to drop to $1.25 \times 10^{-5}\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}$ in experiment 3.

(c)[3]

Sulfur dioxide, $\text{SO}_2$, reacts extremely slowly with oxygen in the atmosphere to form sulfur trioxide, $\text{SO}_3$. This reaction is much faster when NO is present. Explain the role of NO in this process. Include chemical equations in your answer.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $\mathrm{mol^{-2}\,dm^6\,s^{-1}}$

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