3.10 In a reaction between A and B, the initial rate of reaction (r0) was measured for different initial concentrations of A and B as given below: A/ mol L–1 0.20 0.20 0.40 B/ mol L–1 0.30 0.10 0.05 r0/mol L–1s–1 5.07 × 10–5 5.07 × 10–5 1.43 × 10–4 What is the order of the reaction with respect to A and B? 3.11 The following results have been obtained during the kinetic studies of the reaction: 2A + B ® C + D Experiment [A]/mol L–1 [B]/mol L–1 Initial rate of formation of D/mol L–1 min–1 I 0.1 0.1 6.0 × 10–3 II 0.3 0.2 7.2 × 10–2 III 0.3 0.4 2.88 × 10–1 IV 0.4 0.1 2.40 × 10–2 Determine the rate law and the rate constant for the reaction. 3.12 The reaction between A and B is first order with respect to A and zero order with respect to B. Fill in the blanks in the following table: Experiment [A]/ mol L–1 [B]/ mol L–1 Initial rate/ mol L–1 min–1 I 0.1 0.1 2.0 × 10–2 II – 0.2 4.0 × 10–2 III 0.4 0.4 – IV – 0.2 2.0 × 10–2 3.13 Calculate the half-life of a first order reaction from their rate constants given below: (i) 200 s–1 (ii) 2 min–1 (iii) 4 years–1 3.14 The half-life for radioactive decay of 14C is 5730 years. An archaeological artifact containing wood had only 80% of the 14C found in a living tree. Estimate the age of the sample. 3.15 The experimental data for decomposition of N2O5 [2N2O5 ® 4NO2 + O2] in gas phase at 318K are given below: t/s 0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 2400 2800 3200 102 × [N2O5]/ 1.63 1.36 1.14 0.93 0.78 0.64 0.53 0.43 0.35 mol L–1 (i) Plot [N2O5] against t. (ii) Find the half-life period for the reaction. (iii) Draw a graph between log[N2O5] and t. (iv) What is the rate law ? Chemistry 86 Reprint 2025-26 (v) Calculate the rate constant. (vi) Calculate the half-life period from k and compare it with (ii).

2.10 The conductivity of sodium chloride at 298 K has been determined at different concentrations and the results are given below: Concentration/M 0.001 0.010 0.020 0.050 0.100 102 × k/S m–1 1.237 11.85 23.15 55.53 106.74 Calculate Λm for all concentrations and draw a plot between Λm and c½. Find the value of 0m . 2.11 Conductivity of 0.00241 M acetic acid is 7.896 × 10–5 S cm–1. Calculate its molar conductivity. If 0m for acetic acid is 390.5 S cm2 mol–1, what is its dissociation constant? 2.12 How much charge is required for the following reductions: (i) 1 mol of Al3+ to Al? (ii) 1 mol of Cu2+ to Cu? (iii) 1 mol of MnO4– to Mn2+? 2.13 How much electricity in terms of Faraday is required to produce (i) 20.0 g of Ca from molten CaCl2? (ii) 40.0 g of Al from molten Al2O3? 2.14 How much electricity is required in coulomb for the oxidation of (i) 1 mol of H2O to O2? (ii) 1 mol of FeO to Fe2O3? 2.15 A solution of Ni(NO3)2 is electrolysed between platinum electrodes using a current of 5 amperes for 20 minutes. What mass of Ni is deposited at the cathode? 2.16 Three electrolytic cells A,B,C containing solutions of ZnSO4, AgNO3 and CuSO4, respectively are connected in series. A steady current of 1.5 amperes was passed through them until 1.45 g of silver deposited at the cathode of cell B. How long did the current flow? What mass of copper and zinc were deposited? 2.17 Using the standard electrode potentials given in Table 3.1, predict if the reaction between the following is feasible: (i) Fe3+(aq) and I–(aq) (ii) Ag+ (aq) and Cu(s) (iii) Fe3+ (aq) and Br– (aq) (iv) Ag(s) and Fe 3+ (aq) (v) Br2 (aq) and Fe2+ (aq). 2.18 Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes. (ii) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with platinum electrodes. (iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes. (iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes. Answers to Some Intext Questions 2.5 E(cell) = 0.91 V 2.6 ∆ rG o = −45.54 kJ mol −1 , Kc = 9.62 ×107 2.9 0.114, 3.67 × 10–4 mol L–1 Chemistry 60 Reprint 2025-26 UnitUnitUnit Unit33Unit Objectives ChemicalChemical KineticsKinetics After studying this Unit, you will be able to · define the average and Chemical Kinetics helps us to understand how chemical reactions instantaneous rate of a reaction; occur. · express the rate of a reaction in terms of change in concentration Chemistry, by its very nature, is concerned with change. of either of the reactants or Substances with well defined properties are converted products with time; by chemical reactions into other substances with · distinguish between elementary different properties. For any chemical reaction, chemists and complex reactions; try to find out · differentiate between the (a) the feasibility of a chemical reaction which can be molecularity and order of a reaction; predicted by thermodynamics ( as you know that a · define rate constant; reaction with DG < 0, at constant temperature and pressure is feasible);· discuss the dependence of rate of reactions on concentration, (b) extent to which a reaction will proceed can be temperature and catalyst; determined from chemical equilibrium; · derive integrated rate equations (c) speed of a reaction i.e. time taken by a reaction to for the zero and first order reach equilibrium. reactions; Along with feasibility and extent, it is equally · determine the rate constants for important to know the rate and the factors controlling zeroth and first order reactions; the rate of a chemical reaction for its complete · describe collision theory. understanding. For example, which parameters determine as to how rapidly food gets spoiled? How to design a rapidly setting material for dental filling? Or what controls the rate at which fuel burns in an auto engine? All these questions can be answered by the branch of chemistry, which deals with the study of reaction rates and their mechanisms, called chemical kinetics. The word kinetics is derived from the Greek word ‘kinesis’ meaning movement. Thermodynamics tells only about the feasibility of a reaction whereas chemical kinetics tells about the rate of a reaction. For example, thermodynamic data indicate that diamond shall convert to graphite but in reality the conversion rate is so slow that the change is not perceptible at all. Therefore, most people think Reprint 2025-26 that diamond is forever. Kinetic studies not only help us to determine the speed or rate of a chemical reaction but also describe the conditions by which the reaction rates can be altered. The factors such as concentration, temperature, pressure and catalyst affect the rate of a reaction. At the macroscopic level, we are interested in amounts reacted or formed and the rates of their consumption or formation. At the molecular level, the reaction mechanisms involving orientation and energy of molecules undergoing collisions, are discussed. In this Unit, we shall be dealing with average and instantaneous rate of reaction and the factors affecting these. Some elementary ideas about the collision theory of reaction rates are also given. However, in order to understand all these, let us first learn about the reaction rate. 3.13.13.13.13.1 RateRateRateRateRate ofofofofof aaaaa Some reactions such as ionic reactions occur very fast, for example, ChemicalChemicalChemicalChemicalChemical precipitation of silver chloride occurs instantaneously by mixing of aqueous solutions of silver nitrate and sodium chloride. On the other ReactionReactionReactionReactionReaction hand, some reactions are very slow, for example, rusting of iron in the presence of air and moisture. Also there are reactions like inversion of cane sugar and hydrolysis of starch, which proceed with a moderate speed. Can you think of more examples from each category? You must be knowing that speed of an automobile is expressed in terms of change in the position or distance covered by it in a certain period of time. Similarly, the speed of a reaction or the rate of a reaction can be defined as the change in concentration of a reactant or product in unit time. To be more specific, it can be expressed in terms of: (i) the rate of decrease in concentration of any one of the reactants, or (ii) the rate of increase in concentration of any one of the products. Consider a hypothetical reaction, assuming that the volume of the system remains constant. R ® P One mole of the reactant R produces one mole of the product P. If [R]1 and [P]1 are the concentrations of R and P respectively at time t1 and [R]2 and [P]2 are their concentrations at time t2 then, Dt = t2 – t1 D[R] = [R]2 – [R]1 D [P] = [P]2 – [P]1 The square brackets in the above expressions are used to express molar concentration. Rate of disappearance of R Decrease in concentration of R ∆ [ R ] = = − (3.1) Time taken ∆ t Chemistry 62 Reprint 2025-26 Rate of appearance of P Increase in concentration of P ∆ [ P ] = = + (3.2) Time taken ∆t Since, D[R] is a negative quantity (as concentration of reactants is decreasing), it is multiplied with –1 to make the rate of the reaction a positive quantity. Equations (3.1) and (3.2) given above represent the average rate of a reaction, rav. Average rate depends upon the change in concentration of reactants or products and the time taken for that change to occur (Fig. 3.1). { } Fig. 3.1: Instantaneous and average rate of a reaction Units of rate of a reaction From equations (3.1) and (3.2), it is clear that units of rate are concentration time–1. For example, if concentration is in mol L–1 and time is in seconds then the units will be mol L-1s–1. However, in gaseous reactions, when the concentration of gases is expressed in terms of their partial pressures, then the units of the rate equation will be atm s–1. From the concentrations of C4H9Cl (butyl chloride) at different times given ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.13.13.13.13.1 below, calculate the average rate of the reaction: C4H9Cl + H2O ® C4H9OH + HCl during different intervals of time. t/s 0 50 100 150 200 300 400 700 800 [C4H9Cl]/mol L–1 0.100 0.0905 0.0820 0.0741 0.0671 0.0549 0.0439 0.0210 0.017 We can determine the difference in concentration over different intervals SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution of time and thus determine the average rate by dividing D[R] by Dt (Table 3.1). 63 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 Table 3.1: Average rates of hydrolysis of butyl chloride [C4H9CI]t1 / [C4H9CI]t2 / t1/s t2/s rav × 104/mol L–1s–1 × 10 4 mol L–1 mol L–1 = – / ( t 2 − t1 ) C 4 H 9 Cl ]t 2 – [ C 4 H 9 Cl ]t1 {[ } 0.100 0.0905 0 50 1.90 0.0905 0.0820 50 100 1.70 0.0820 0.0741 100 150 1.58 0.0741 0.0671 150 200 1.40 0.0671 0.0549 200 300 1.22 0.0549 0.0439 300 400 1.10 0.0439 0.0335 400 500 1.04 0.0210 0.017 700 800 0.4 It can be seen (Table 3.1) that the average rate falls from 1.90 × 0-4 mol L-1s-1 to 0.4 × 10-4 mol L-1s-1. However, average rate cannot be used to predict the rate of a reaction at a particular instant as it would be constant for the time interval for which it is calculated. So, to express the rate at a particular moment of time we determine the instantaneous rate. It is obtained when we consider the average rate at the smallest time interval say dt ( i.e. when Dt approaches zero). Hence, mathematically for an infinitesimally small dt instantaneous rate is given by −∆ [ R ] ∆ [ P ] rav = = (3.3) ∆t ∆ t  d  R  d P As Dt ® 0 or rinst   d t d t Fig 3.2 Instantaneous rate of hydrolysis of butyl chloride(C4H9Cl) Chemistry 64 Reprint 2025-26 It can be determined graphically by drawing a tangent at time t on either of the curves for concentration of R and P vs time t and calculating its slope (Fig. 3.1). So in problem 3.1, rinst at 600s for example, can be calculated by plotting concentration of butyl chloride as a function of time. A tangent is drawn that touches the curve at t = 600 s (Fig. 3.2). The slope of this tangent gives the instantaneous rate. So, rinst at 600 s = – mol L–1 = 5.12 × 10–5 mol L–1s–1 At t = 250 s rinst = 1.22 × 10–4 mol L–1s–1 t = 350 s rinst = 1.0 × 10–4 mol L–1s–1 t = 450 s rinst = 6.4 ×× 10–5 mol L–1s–1 Now consider a reaction Hg(l) + Cl2 (g) ® HgCl2(s) Where stoichiometric coefficients of the reactants and products are same, then rate of the reaction is given as ∆ [ Hg ] ∆ [ Cl 2 ] ∆ [ HgCl 2 ] Rate of reaction = – = – = ∆t ∆t ∆ t i.e., rate of disappearance of any of the reactants is same as the rate of appearance of the products. But in the following reaction, two moles of HI decompose to produce one mole each of H2 and I2, 2HI(g) ® H2(g) + I2(g) For expressing the rate of such a reaction where stoichiometric coefficients of reactants or products are not equal to one, rate of disappearance of any of the reactants or the rate of appearance of products is divided by their respective stoichiometric coefficients. Since rate of consumption of HI is twice the rate of formation of H2 or I2, to make them equal, the term D[HI] is divided by 2. The rate of this reaction is given by 1 ∆ [ HI ] ∆ [ H 2 ] ∆ [ I 2 ] Rate of reaction = − = = 2 ∆ t ∆ t ∆ t Similarly, for the reaction 5 Br- (aq) + BrO3– (aq) + 6 H+ (aq) ® 3 Br2 (aq) + 3 H2O (l) − − + 1 ∆ [ Br BrO 3 1 ∆ [ H ] 1 ∆ [ Br2 ] 1 ∆ [ H 2 O ] ] ∆  Rate = − = − = − = = 5 ∆ t ∆ t 6 ∆t 3 ∆ t 3 ∆t For a gaseous reaction at constant temperature, concentration is directly proportional to the partial pressure of a species and hence, rate can also be expressed as rate of change in partial pressure of the reactant or the product. 65 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.23.23.23.23.2 The decomposition of N2O5 in CCl4 at 318K has been studied by monitoring the concentration of N2O5 in the solution. Initially the concentration of N2O5 is 2.33 mol L–1 and after 184 minutes, it is reduced to 2.08 mol L–1. The reaction takes place according to the equation 2 N2O5 (g) ® 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g) Calculate the average rate of this reaction in terms of hours, minutes and seconds. What is the rate of production of NO2 during this period? 1  ( 2.08 − 2 .33 ) mol L−1  1 ∆ [ N 2 O5 ] SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution Average Rate = − = − 184 min 2  ∆t  2   = 6.79 × 10–4 mol L–1/min = (6.79 × 10–4 mol L–1 min–1) × (60 min/1h) = 4.07 × 10–2 mol L–1/h = 6.79 × 10–4 mol L–1 × 1min/60s = 1.13 × 10–5 mol L–1s–1 It may be remembered that 1 ∆ [ NO 2 ] Rate = 4  ∆t  ∆ [ NO 2 ] = 6.79 × 10–4 × 4 mol L–1 min–1 = 2.72 × 10–3 mol L–1min–1 ∆t IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 3.1 For the reaction R ® P, the concentration of a reactant changes from 0.03M to 0.02M in 25 minutes. Calculate the average rate of reaction using units of time both in minutes and seconds. 3.2 In a reaction, 2A ® Products, the concentration of A decreases from 0.5 mol L–1 to 0.4 mol L–1 in 10 minutes. Calculate the rate during this interval? 3.23.23.23.23.2 FactorsFactorsFactorsFactorsFactors InfluencingInfluencingInfluencingInfluencingInfluencing Rate of reaction depends upon the experimental conditions such RateRateRateRateRate ofofofofof aaaaa ReactionReactionReactionReactionReaction as concentration of reactants (pressure in case of gases), temperature and catalyst. 3.2.1 Dependence The rate of a chemical reaction at a given temperature may depend on of Rate on the concentration of one or more reactants and products. The Concentration representation of rate of reaction in terms of concentration of the reactants is known as rate law. It is also called as rate equation or rate expression. 3.2.2 Rate The results in Table 3.1 clearly show that rate of a reaction decreases with Expression the passage of time as the concentration of reactants decrease. Conversely, and Rate rates generally increase when reactant concentrations increase. So, rate of Constant a reaction depends upon the concentration of reactants. Chemistry 66 Reprint 2025-26 Consider a general reaction aA + bB ® cC + dD where a, b, c and d are the stoichiometric coefficients of reactants and products. The rate expression for this reaction is Rate µ [A] x [B] y (3.4) where exponents x and y may or may not be equal to the stoichiometric coefficients (a and b) of the reactants. Above equation can also be written as Rate = k [A] x [B] y (3.4a) d [ R ] x y − = k [ A ] [ B ] (3.4b) d t This form of equation (3.4 b) is known as differential rate equation, where k is a proportionality constant called rate constant. The equation like (3.4), which relates the rate of a reaction to concentration of reactants is called rate law or rate expression. Thus, rate law is the expression in which reaction rate is given in terms of molar concentration of reactants with each term raised to some power, which may or may not be same as the stoichiometric coefficient of the reacting species in a balanced chemical equation. For example: 2NO(g) + O2(g) ® 2NO2 (g) We can measure the rate of this reaction as a function of initial concentrations either by keeping the concentration of one of the reactants constant and changing the concentration of the other reactant or by changing the concentration of both the reactants. The following results are obtained (Table 3.2). Table 3.2: Initial rate of formation of NO2 Experiment Initial [NO]/ mol L-1 Initial [O2]/ mol L-1 Initial rate of formation of NO2/ mol L-1s-1 1. 0.30 0.30 0.096 2. 0.60 0.30 0.384 3. 0.30 0.60 0.192 4. 0.60 0.60 0.768 It is obvious, after looking at the results, that when the concentration of NO is doubled and that of O2 is kept constant then the initial rate increases by a factor of four from 0.096 to 0.384 mol L–1s–1. This indicates that the rate depends upon the square of the concentration of NO. When concentration of NO is kept constant and concentration of O2 is doubled the rate also gets doubled indicating that rate depends on concentration of O2 to the first power. Hence, the rate equation for this reaction will be Rate = k [NO] 2[O2] 67 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 The differential form of this rate expression is given as d [ R ] 2 − = k [ NO ] [ O 2 ] d t Now, we observe that for this reaction in the rate equation derived from the experimental data, the exponents of the concentration terms are the same as their stoichiometric coefficients in the balanced chemical equation. Some other examples are given below: Reaction Experimental rate expression 1. CHCl3 + Cl2 ® CCl4 + HCl Rate = k [CHCl3 ] [Cl2]1/2 2. CH3COOC2H5 + H2O ® CH3COOH + C2H5OH Rate = k [CH3COOC2H5]1 [H2O]0 In these reactions, the exponents of the concentration terms are not the same as their stoichiometric coefficients. Thus, we can say that: Rate law for any reaction cannot be predicted by merely looking at the balanced chemical equation, i.e., theoretically but must be determined experimentally. 3.2.3 Order of a In the rate equation (3.4) Reaction Rate = k [A]x [B]y x and y indicate how sensitive the rate is to the change in concentration of A and B. Sum of these exponents, i.e., x + y in (3.4) gives the overall order of a reaction whereas x and y represent the order with respect to the reactants A and B respectively. Hence, the sum of powers of the concentration of the reactants in the rate law expression is called the order of that chemical reaction. Order of a reaction can be 0, 1, 2, 3 and even a fraction. A zero order reaction means that the rate of reaction is independent of the concentration of reactants. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.33.33.33.33.3 Calculate the overall order of a reaction which has the rate expression (a) Rate = k [A]1/2 [B]3/2 (b) Rate = k [A]3/2 [B]–1 SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution (a) Rate = k [A]x [B]y order = x + y So order = 1/2 + 3/2 = 2, i.e., second order (b) order = 3/2 + (–1) = 1/2, i.e., half order. A balanced chemical equation never gives us a true picture of how a reaction takes place since rarely a reaction gets completed in one step. The reactions taking place in one step are called elementary reactions. When a sequence of elementary reactions (called mechanism) gives us the products, the reactions are called complex reactions. Chemistry 68 Reprint 2025-26 These may be consecutive reactions (e.g., oxidation of ethane to CO2 and H2O passes through a series of intermediate steps in which alcohol, aldehyde and acid are formed), reverse reactions and side reactions (e.g., nitration of phenol yields o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol). Units of rate constant For a general reaction aA + bB ® cC + dD Rate = k [A]x [B]y Where x + y = n = order of the reaction Rate k = x [A] [B]y concentration 1 = × n ( where [A] = [B]) time ( concentration ) Taking SI units of concentration, mol L –1 and time, s, the units of k for different reaction order are listed in Table 3.3 Table 3.3: Units of rate constant Reaction Order Units of rate constant mol L−1 1 −1 − 1 × 0 = mol L s −1 Zero order reaction 0 s ( mol L ) −1 mol L 1 −1 × = s − 1 1 First order reaction 1 s ( mol L ) − 1 mol L 1 − 1 −1 × = mol L s −1 2 Second order reaction 2 s ( mol L ) Identify the reaction order from each of the following rate constants. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.43.43.43.43.4 (i) k = 2.3 × 10–5 L mol–1 s–1 (ii) k = 3 × 10–4 s–1 (i) The unit of second order rate constant is L mol–1 s–1, therefore SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution k = 2.3 × 10–5 L mol–1 s–1 represents a second order reaction. (ii) The unit of a first order rate constant is s–1 therefore k = 3 × 10–4 s–1 represents a first order reaction. 3.2.4 Molecularity Another property of a reaction called molecularity helps in of a understanding its mechanism. The number of reacting species Reaction (atoms, ions or molecules) taking part in an elementary reaction, which must collide simultaneously in order to bring about a chemical reaction is called molecularity of a reaction. The reaction can be unimolecular when one reacting species is involved, for example, decomposition of ammonium nitrite. 69 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 NH4NO2 ® N2 + 2H2O Bimolecular reactions involve simultaneous collision between two species, for example, dissociation of hydrogen iodide. 2HI ® H2 + I2 Trimolecular or termolecular reactions involve simultaneous collision between three reacting species, for example, 2NO + O2 ® 2NO2 The probability that more than three molecules can collide and react simultaneously is very small. Hence, reactions with the molecularity three are very rare and slow to proceed. It is, therefore, evident that complex reactions involving more than three molecules in the stoichiometric equation must take place in more than one step. KClO3 + 6FeSO4 + 3H2SO4 ® KCl + 3Fe2(SO4)3 + 3H2O This reaction which apparently seems to be of tenth order is actually a second order reaction. This shows that this reaction takes place in several steps. Which step controls the rate of the overall reaction? The question can be answered if we go through the mechanism of reaction, for example, chances to win the relay race competition by a team depend upon the slowest person in the team. Similarly, the overall rate of the reaction is controlled by the slowest step in a reaction called the rate determining step. Consider the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide which is catalysed by iodide ion in an alkaline medium. -I 2H2O2  2H2O + O2 Alkaline medium The rate equation for this reaction is found to be d  H 2 O 2   Rate  k  H2 O 2 I dt This reaction is first order with respect to both H2O2 and I–. Evidences suggest that this reaction takes place in two steps (1) H2O2 + I– ® H2O + IO– (2) H2O2 + IO– ® H2O + I– + O2 Both the steps are bimolecular elementary reactions. Species IO- is called as an intermediate since it is formed during the course of the reaction but not in the overall balanced equation. The first step, being slow, is the rate determining step. Thus, the rate of formation of intermediate will determine the rate of this reaction. Thus, from the discussion, till now, we conclude the following: (i) Order of a reaction is an experimental quantity. It can be zero and even a fraction but molecularity cannot be zero or a non integer. (ii) Order is applicable to elementary as well as complex reactions whereas molecularity is applicable only for elementary reactions. For complex reaction molecularity has no meaning. Chemistry 70 Reprint 2025-26 (iii) For complex reaction, order is given by the slowest step and molecularity of the slowest step is same as the order of the overall reaction. IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 3.3 For a reaction, A + B ® Product; the rate law is given by, r = k [ A]1/2 [B]2. What is the order of the reaction? 3.4 The conversion of molecules X to Y follows second order kinetics. If concentration of X is increased to three times how will it affect the rate of formation of Y ? 3.33.33.33.33.3 IntegratedIntegratedIntegratedIntegratedIntegrated We have already noted that the concentration dependence of rate is RateRateRateRateRate called differential rate equation. It is not always convenient to determine the instantaneous rate, as it is measured by determination EquationsEquationsEquationsEquationsEquations of slope of the tangent at point ‘t’ in concentration vs time plot (Fig. 3.1). This makes it difficult to determine the rate law and hence the order of the reaction. In order to avoid this difficulty, we can integrate the differential rate equation to give a relation between directly measured experimental data, i.e., concentrations at different times and rate constant. The integrated rate equations are different for the reactions of different reaction orders. We shall determine these equations only for zero and first order chemical reactions. 3.3.1 Zero Order Zero order reaction means that the rate of the reaction is proportional Reactions to zero power of the concentration of reactants. Consider the reaction, R ® P d  R  Rate =   k  R 0 d t As any quantity raised to power zero is unity d  R  Rate =   k × 1 d t d[R] = – k dt Integrating both sides [R] = – k t + I (3.5) where, I is the constant of integration. At t = 0, the concentration of the reactant R = [R]0, where [R]0 is initial concentration of the reactant. Substituting in equation (3.5) [R]0 = –k × 0 + I [R]0 = I Substituting the value of I in the equation (3.5) [R] = -kt + [R]0 (3.6) 71 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 Comparing (3.6) with equation of a straight line, y = mx + c, if we plot [R] against t, we get a straight [R0 ] line (Fig. 3.3) with slope = –k and intercept equal to [R]0. Further simplifying equation (3.6), we get the rateR k = -slope constant, k as of [ R ]0 − [ R ] k = (3.7) t Zero order reactions are relatively uncommon but they occur under special conditions. Some enzyme Concentration catalysed reactions and reactions which occur on metal surfaces are a few examples of zero order 0 Time reactions. The decomposition of gaseous ammonia on a hot platinum surface is a zero order reaction at Fig. 3.3: Variation in the concentration high pressure. vs time plot for a zero order 1130K reaction 2NH 3 ( g ) →Pt catalyst N 2 ( g ) +3H 2 ( g ) Rate = k [NH3]0 = k In this reaction, platinum metal acts as a catalyst. At high pressure, the metal surface gets saturated with gas molecules. So, a further change in reaction conditions is unable to alter the amount of ammonia on the surface of the catalyst making rate of the reaction independent of its concentration. The thermal decomposition of HI on gold surface is another example of zero order reaction. 3.3.2 First Order In this class of reactions, the rate of the reaction is proportional to the Reactions first power of the concentration of the reactant R. For example, R ® P d [ R ] Rate = − = k [ R ] d t d [ R ] or = – kdt [ R ] Integrating this equation, we get ln [R] = – kt + I (3.8) Again, I is the constant of integration and its value can be determined easily. When t = 0, R = [R]0, where [R]0 is the initial concentration of the reactant. Therefore, equation (3.8) can be written as ln [R]0 = –k × 0 + I ln [R]0 = I Substituting the value of I in equation (3.8) ln[R] = –kt + ln[R]0 (3.9) Chemistry 72 Reprint 2025-26 Rearranging this equation [ R ] ln = −kt [ R ]0 1 R 0 or k  ln (3.10) t R At time t1 from equation (3.8) *ln[R]1 = – kt1 + *ln[R]0 (3.11) At time t2 ln[R]2 = – kt2 + ln[R]0 (3.12) where, [R]1 and [R]2 are the concentrations of the reactants at time t1 and t2 respectively. Subtracting (3.12) from (3.11) ln[R]1– ln[R]2 = – kt1 – (–kt2) [ R ]1 ln = k (t 2 − t 1 ) [ R ]2 1 [ R ]1 k = ln (t 2 − t 1 ) [ R ]2 (3.13) Equation (3.9) can also be written as [ R ] ln = −kt [ R ]0 Taking antilog of both sides [R] = [R]0 e–kt (3.14) Comparing equation (3.9) with y = mx + c, if we plot ln [R] against t (Fig. 3.4) we get a straight line with slope = –k and intercept equal to ln [R]0 The first order rate equation (3.10) can also be written in the form 2.303 [ R ]0 k = log (3.15) t [ R ] [ R ]0 kt * log = [ R ] 2.303 If we plot a graph between log [R]0/[R] vs t, (Fig. 3.5), the slope = k/2.303 Hydrogenation of ethene is an example of first order reaction. C2H4(g) + H2 (g) ® C2H6(g) Rate = k [C2H4] All natural and artificial radioactive decay of unstable nuclei take place by first order kinetics. * Refer to Appendix-IV for ln and log (logarithms). 73 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 /[R]) 0] Slope = k /2.303 ([R log 0 Time Fig. 3.4: A plot between ln[R] and t Fig. 3.5: Plot of log [R]0/[R] vs time for a for a first order reaction first order reaction 226 88 Ra  24 He  22286 Rn Rate = k [Ra] Decomposition of N2O5 and N2O are some more examples of first order reactions. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.53.53.53.53.5 The initial concentration of N2O5 in the following first order reaction N2O5(g) ® 2 NO2(g) + 1/2O2 (g) was 1.24 × 10–2 mol L–1 at 318 K. The concentration of N2O5 after 60 minutes was 0.20 × 10–2 mol L–1. Calculate the rate constant of the reaction at 318 K. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution For a first order reaction  R 1 k t 2  t 1  log =  R 2 2.303 2.303  R 1 log k =  t 2  t 1   R 2 2.303 1.24  10  2 mol L1 log  2  1 =  60 min  0 min  0.20  10 mol L 2.303  1 = log 6.2 min 60 k = 0.0304 min-1 Let us consider a typical first order gas phase reaction A(g) ® B(g) + C(g) Let pi be the initial pressure of A and pt the total pressure at time ‘t’. Integrated rate equation for such a reaction can be derived as Total pressure pt = pA + pB + pC (pressure units) Chemistry 74 Reprint 2025-26 pA, pB and pC are the partial pressures of A, B and C, respectively. If x atm be the decrease in pressure of A at time t and one mole each of B and C is being formed, the increase in pressure of B and C will also be x atm each. A(g) ® B(g) + C(g) At t = 0 pi atm 0 atm 0 atm At time t (pi–x) atm x atm x atm where, pi is the initial pressure at time t = 0. pt = (pi – x) + x + x = pi + x x = (pt - pi) where, pA = pi – x = pi – (pt – pi) = 2pi – pt  2.303   p i  k =   log  (3.16)  t  p A  2.303 p i log = t  2 p i  p t  The following data were obtained during the first order thermal ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.63.63.63.63.6 decomposition of N2O5 (g) at constant volume: 2N 2 O5 ( g ) → 2N 2 O 4 ( g ) + O 2 ( g ) S.No. Time/s Total Pressure/(atm) 1. 0 0.5 2. 100 0.512 Calculate the rate constant. Let the pressure of N2O5(g) decrease by 2x atm. As two moles of SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution N2O5 decompose to give two moles of N2O4(g) and one mole of O2 (g), the pressure of N2O4 (g) increases by 2x atm and that of O2 (g) increases by x atm. 2N 2 O5 ( g ) → 2N 2 O 4 ( g ) + O 2 ( g ) Start t = 0 0.5 atm 0 atm 0 atm At time t (0.5 – 2x) atm 2x atm x atm pt = p N 2 O 5  p N 2 O 4  p O 2 = (0.5 – 2x) + 2x + x = 0.5 + x x = tp − 0.5 p N 2 O5 = 0.5 – 2x = 0.5 – 2 (pt – 0.5) = 1.5 – 2pt At t = 100 s; pt = 0.512 atm 75 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 p N 2 O 5 = 1.5 – 2 × 0.512 = 0.476 atm Using equation (3.16) 2.303 p i 2.303 0.5 atm k  log  log t p A 100s 0.476 atm 2.303  4 1   0.0216  4.98  10 s 100s 3.3.3 Half-Life of The half-life of a reaction is the time in which the concentration of a a Reaction reactant is reduced to one half of its initial concentration. It is represented as t1/2. For a zero order reaction, rate constant is given by equation 3.7. [ R ]0 − [ R ] k = t 1 [ R ]0 At t = t 1/2 , [ R ] = 2 The rate constant at t1/2 becomes [ R ]0 − 1/2 [ R ]0 k = t 1/2 [ R ]0 t 1/2 = 2k It is clear that t1/2 for a zero order reaction is directly proportional to the initial concentration of the reactants and inversely proportional to the rate constant. For the first order reaction, 2.303 [ R ]0 k = log (3.15) t [ R ] [ R ]0 at t1/2 [ R ] = (3.16) 2 So, the above equation becomes 2.303 [ R ]0 k = log t 1/2 [ R ] /2 2.303 or t1/2  log 2 k 2.303 t 1/2 = × 0.301 k 0.693 t 1/2 = (3.17) k Chemistry 76 Reprint 2025-26 It can be seen that for a first order reaction, half-life period is constant, i.e., it is independent of initial concentration of the reacting species. The half-life of a first order equation is readily calculated from the rate constant and vice versa. For zero order reaction t1/2 µ [R]0. For first order reaction t1/2 is independent of [R]0. A first order reaction is found to have a rate constant, k = 5.5 × 10-14 s-1. ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.73.73.73.73.7 Find the half-life of the reaction. Half-life for a first order reaction is SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution 0.693 t 1/2 = k 0.693 t 1/2 = –14 –1 = 1.26 × 1013s 5.5×10 s Show that in a first order reaction, time required for completion of 99.9% is 10 times of half-life (t1/2) of the reaction. When reaction is completed 99.9%, [R]n = [R]0 – 0.999[R]0 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.83.83.83.83.8 2.303  R 0 log k = SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution t  R  2.303  R 0 2.303 3 log = = log10 t  R 0  0.999  R 0 t t = 6.909/k For half-life of the reaction t1/2 = 0.693/k t 6.909 k =   10 t1/2 k 0.693 Table 3.4 summarises the mathematical features of integrated laws of zero and first order reactions. Table 3.4: Integrated Rate Laws for the Reactions of Zero and First Order Order Reaction Differential Integrated Straight Half- Units of k type rate law rate law line plot life 0 R® P d[R]/dt = -k kt = [R]0-[R] [R] vs t [R]0/2k conc time-1 or mol L–1s–1 1 R® P d[R]/dt = -k[R] [R] = [R]0e-kt ln[R] vs t ln 2/k time-1 or s–1 or kt = ln{[R]0/[R]} 77 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 The order of a reaction is sometimes altered by conditions. There are many reactions which obey first order rate law although they are higher order reactions. Consider the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate which is a chemical reaction between ethyl acetate and water. In reality, it is a second order reaction and concentration of both ethyl acetate and water affect the rate of the reaction. But water is taken in large excess for hydrolysis, therefore, concentration of water is not altered much during the reaction. Thus, the rate of reaction is affected by concentration of ethyl acetate only. For example, during the hydrolysis of 0.01 mol of ethyl acetate with 10 mol of water, amounts of the reactants and products at the beginning (t = 0) and completion (t) of the reaction are given as under. H CH3COOH + C2H5OH CH3COOC2H5 + H2O  t = 0 0.01 mol 10 mol 0 mol 0 mol t 0 mol 9.99 mol 0.01 mol 0.01 mol The concentration of water does not get altered much during the course of the reaction. So, the reaction behaves as first order reaction. Such reactions are called pseudo first order reactions. Inversion of cane sugar is another pseudo first order reaction. C12H22O11 + H2O →H+ C6H12O6 + C6H12O6 Cane sugar Glucose Fructose Rate = k [C12H22O11] IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 3.5 A first order reaction has a rate constant 1.15 × 10-3 s-1. How long will 5 g of this reactant take to reduce to 3 g? 3.6 Time required to decompose SO2Cl2 to half of its initial amount is 60 minutes. If the decomposition is a first order reaction, calculate the rate constant of the reaction. 3.43.43.43.43.4 TemperatureTemperatureTemperatureTemperatureTemperature Most of the chemical reactions are accelerated by increase in temperature. For example, in decomposition of N2O5, the time taken for half of the DependenceDependenceDependenceDependenceDependence ofofofofof original amount of material to decompose is 12 min at 50oC, 5 h at thethethethethe RateRateRateRateRate ofofofofof aaaaa 25oC and 10 days at 0oC. You also know that in a mixture of potassium ReactionReactionReactionReactionReaction permanganate (KMnO4) and oxalic acid (H2C2O4), potassium permanganate gets decolourised faster at a higher temperature than that at a lower temperature. It has been found that for a chemical reaction with rise in temperature by 10°, the rate constant is nearly doubled. The temperature dependence of the rate of a chemical reaction can be accurately explained by Arrhenius equation (3.18). It was first proposed by Dutch chemist, J.H. van’t Hoff but Swedish chemist, Arrhenius provided its physical justification and interpretation. Chemistry 78 Reprint 2025-26 k = A e -Ea /RT (3.18) where A is the Arrhenius factor or the frequency factor. It is also called pre-exponential factor. It is a constant specific to a particular reaction. R is gas constant and Ea is activation energy measured in joules/mole (J mol –1). It can be understood clearly using the following simple reaction H 2 g  I 2 g  2HI g According to Arrhenius, this reaction can take place only when a molecule of hydrogen and a molecule of iodine Intermediate collide to form an unstable intermediate (Fig. 3.6). It exists for a very short time and then breaks up to form two Fig. 3.6: Formation of HI through molecules of hydrogen iodide. the intermediate The energy required to form this intermediate, called activated complex (C), is known as activation energy (Ea). Fig. 3.7 is obtained by plotting potential energy vs reaction coordinate. Reaction coordinate represents the profile of energy change when reactants change into products. Some energy is released when the complex decomposes to form products. So, the final enthalpy of the reaction depends upon the nature of reactants and products. All the molecules in the reacting species do not have the same kinetic Fig. 3.7: Diagram showing plot of potential energy. Since it is difficult to predict the energy vs reaction coordinate behaviour of any one molecule with precision, Ludwig Boltzmann and James Clark Maxwell used statistics to predict the behaviour of large number of molecules. According to them, the distribution of kinetic energy may be described by plotting the fraction of molecules (NE/NT) with a given kinetic energy (E) vs kinetic energy (Fig. 3.8). Here, NE is the number of molecules with energy E and NT is total number of molecules. The peak of the curve corresponds to the most probable kinetic energy, i.e., kinetic energy of maximum fraction of molecules. There are decreasing number Fig. 3.8: Distribution curve showing energies of molecules with energies higher or among gaseous molecules lower than this value. When the 79 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 temperature is raised, the maximum of the curve moves to the higher energy value (Fig. 3.9) and the curve broadens out, i.e., spreads to the right such that there is a greater proportion of molecules with much higher energies. The area under the curve must be constant since total probability must be one at all times. We can mark the position of Ea on Fig. 3.9: Distribution curve showing temperature Maxwell Boltzmann distribution curve dependence of rate of a reaction (Fig. 3.9). Increasing the temperature of the substance increases the fraction of molecules, which collide with energies greater than Ea. It is clear from the diagram that in the curve at (t + 10), the area showing the fraction of molecules having energy equal to or greater than activation energy gets doubled leading to doubling the rate of a reaction. In the Arrhenius equation (3.18) the factor e -Ea /RT corresponds to the fraction of molecules that have kinetic energy greater than Ea. Taking natural logarithm of both sides of equation (3.18) E a ln k = – + ln A (3.19) RT The plot of ln k vs 1/T gives a straight line according to the equation (3.19) as shown in Fig. 3.10. Thus, it has been found from Arrhenius equation (3.18) that increasing the temperature or decreasing the activation energy will result in an increase in the rate of the reaction and an exponential increase in the rate constant. E a In Fig. 3.10, slope = – and intercept = ln R A. So we can calculate Ea and A using these values. At temperature T1, equation (3.19) is E a ln k1 = – RT1 + ln A (3.20) At temperature T2, equation (3.19) is E a ln k2 = – RT2 + ln A (3.21) (since A is constant for a given reaction) k1 and k2 are the values of rate constants at temperatures T1 and T2 respectively. Fig. 3.10: A plot between ln k and 1/T Chemistry 80 Reprint 2025-26 Subtracting equation (3.20) from (3.21), we obtain E a E a ln k2 – ln k1 = RT1 – RT2 k 2 E a  1 1  ln = − k1 R  T1 T2  k 2 E a  1 1  log = − (3.22) k1 2.303 R  T1 T2  k 2 E a  T2 − T1  log = k1 2. 303R  T1T2  ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.93.93.93.93.9 The rate constants of a reaction at 500K and 700K are 0.02s–1 and 0.07s–1 respectively. Calculate the values of Ea and A. k 2 E a  T2  T1 SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution log =   k1 2.303 R  T1T2  0.07  E a   700  500  log =      700  500 0.02  2.303  8.314 JK  1 mol  1  0.544 = Ea × 5.714 × 10-4/19.15 Ea = 0.544 × 19.15/5.714 × 10–4 = 18230.8 J Since k = Ae-Ea/RT × 500 0.02 = Ae-18230.8/8.314 A = 0.02/0.012 = 1.61 ExampleExampleExampleExampleExample 3.103.103.103.103.10 The first order rate constant for the decomposition of ethyl iodide by the reaction C2H5I(g) ® C2H4 (g) + HI(g) at 600K is 1.60 × 10–5 s–1. Its energy of activation is 209 kJ/mol. Calculate the rate constant of the reaction at 700K. SolutionSolutionSolutionSolutionSolution We know that E a  1 1     log k2 – log k1 = 2.303R  T1 T2  81 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 E a  1 1  log k2 = log k1     2.303R  T1 T2  209000 J mol L 1  1 1  5 = log 1.60  10     1  1    2.303  8.314 J mol L K  600 K 700K  log k2 = – 4.796 + 2.599 = – 2.197 k2 = 6.36 × 10–3 s–1 3.4.1 Effect of A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of a reaction without Catalyst itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. For example, MnO2 catalyses the following reaction so as to increase its rate considerably. 2KClO3 MnO2 2 KCl + 3O2 The word catalyst should not be used when the added substance reduces the rate of raction. The substance is then called inhibitor. The action of the catalyst can be explained by intermediate complex theory. According to this theory, a catalyst participates in a chemical reaction by forming temporary bonds with the reactants resulting in an intermediate complex. This has a transitory existence and decomposes to yield products and the catalyst. It is believed that the catalyst provides an alternate pathway or reaction mechanism by reducing the activation energy between reactants and products and hence lowering the potential energy barrier as shown in Fig. 3.11. It is clear from Arrhenius equation (3.18) that lower the value of activation energy faster will be the rate of a reaction. A small amount of the catalyst can catalyse a large amount of reactants. A catalyst does Fig. 3.11: Effect of catalyst on activation energy not alter Gibbs energy, DG of a reaction. It catalyses the spontaneous reactions but does not catalyse non-spontaneous reactions. It is also found that a catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant of a reaction rather, it helps in attaining the equilibrium faster, that is, it catalyses the forward as well as the backward reactions to the same extent so that the equilibrium state remains same but is reached earlier. 3.53.53.53.53.5 CollisionCollisionCollisionCollisionCollision Though Arrhenius equation is applicable under a wide range of TheoryTheoryTheoryTheoryTheory ofofofofof circumstances, collision theory, which was developed by Max Trautz ChemicalChemicalChemicalChemicalChemical and William Lewis in 1916 -18, provides a greater insight into the energetic and mechanistic aspects of reactions. It is based on kinetic ReactionsReactionsReactionsReactionsReactions theory of gases. According to this theory, the reactant molecules are Chemistry 82 Reprint 2025-26 assumed to be hard spheres and reaction is postulated to occur when molecules collide with each other. The number of collisions per second per unit volume of the reaction mixture is known as collision frequency (Z). Another factor which affects the rate of chemical reactions is activation energy (as we have already studied). For a bimolecular elementary reaction A + B ® Products rate of reaction can be expressed as a / RT (3.23) Rate = Z AB e − E where ZAB represents the collision frequency of reactants, A and B and e-Ea /RT represents the fraction of molecules with energies equal to or greater than Ea. Comparing (3.23) with Arrhenius equation, we can say that A is related to collision frequency. Equation (3.23) predicts the value of rate constants fairly accurately for the reactions that involve atomic species or simple molecules but for complex molecules significant deviations are observed. The reason could be that all collisions do not lead to the formation of products. The collisions in which molecules collide with sufficient kinetic energy (called threshold energy*) and proper orientation, so as to facilitate breaking of bonds between reacting species and formation of new bonds to form products are called as effective collisions. For example, formation of methanol from bromoethane depends upon the orientation of reactant molecules as shown in Fig. 3.12. The proper orientation of reactant molecules lead to bond formation whereas improper orientation makes them simply bounce back and no products are formed. Fig. 3.12: Diagram showing molecules having proper and To account for effective collisions, improper orientation another factor P, called the probability or steric factor is introduced. It takes into account the fact that in a collision, molecules must be properly oriented i.e., − E a / RT Rate = PZ AB e Thus, in collision theory activation energy and proper orientation of the molecules together determine the criteria for an effective collision and hence the rate of a chemical reaction. Collision theory also has certain drawbacks as it considers atoms/ molecules to be hard spheres and ignores their structural aspect. You will study details about this theory and more on other theories in your higher classes. * Threshold energy = Activation Energy + energy possessed by reacting species. 83 Chemical Kinetics Reprint 2025-26 IntextIntextIntextIntextIntext QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions 3.7 What will be the effect of temperature on rate constant ? 3.8 The rate of the chemical reaction doubles for an increase of 10K in absolute temperature from 298K. Calculate Ea. 3.9 The activation energy for the reaction 2 HI(g) ® H2 + I2 (g) is 209.5 kJ mol–1 at 581K.Calculate the fraction of molecules of reactants having energy equal to or greater than activation energy? SummarySummarySummarySummarySummary Chemical kinetics is the study of chemical reactions with respect to reaction rates, effect of various variables, rearrangement of atoms and formation of intermediates. The rate of a reaction is concerned with decrease in concentration of reactants or increase in the concentration of products per unit time. It can be expressed as instantaneous rate at a particular instant of time and average rate over a large interval of time. A number of factors such as temperature, concentration of reactants, catalyst, affect the rate of a reaction. Mathematical representation of rate of a reaction is given by rate law. It has to be determined experimentally and cannot be predicted. Order of a reaction with respect to a reactant is the power of its concentration which appears in the rate law equation. The order of a reaction is the sum of all such powers of concentration of terms for different reactants. Rate constant is the proportionality factor in the rate law. Rate constant and order of a reaction can be determined from rate law or its integrated rate equation. Molecularity is defined only for an elementary reaction. Its values are limited from 1 to 3 whereas order can be 0, 1, 2, 3 or even a fraction. Molecularity and order of an elementary reaction are same. Temperature dependence of rate constants is described by Arrhenius equation (k = Ae–Ea/RT). Ea corresponds to the activation energy and is given by the energy difference between activated complex and the reactant molecules, and A (Arrhenius factor or pre-exponential factor) corresponds to the collision frequency. The equation clearly shows that increase of temperature or lowering of Ea will lead to an increase in the rate of reaction and presence of a catalyst lowers the activation energy by providing an alternate path for the reaction. According to collision theory, another factor P called steric factor which refers to the orientation of molecules which collide, is important and contributes to effective collisions, thus, modifying the Arrhenius equation to k  P Z AB e  E a / RT . Chemistry 84 Reprint 2025-26 ExercisesExercisesExercisesExercisesExercises 3.1 From the rate expression for the following reactions, determine their order of reaction and the dimensions of the rate constants. (i) 3NO(g) ® N2O (g) Rate = k[NO]2 (ii) H2O2 (aq) + 3I– (aq) + 2H+ ® 2H2O (l) + 3I Rate = k[H2O2][I-] (iii) CH3CHO (g) ® CH4 (g) + CO(g) Rate = k [CH3CHO]3/2 (iv) C2H5Cl (g) ® C2H4 (g) + HCl (g) Rate = k [C2H5Cl] 3.2 For the reaction: 2A + B ® A2B the rate = k[A][B]2 with k = 2.0 × 10–6 mol–2 L2 s–1. Calculate the initial rate of the reaction when [A] = 0.1 mol L–1, [B] = 0.2 mol L–1. Calculate the rate of reaction after [A] is reduced to 0.06 mol L–1. 3.3 The decomposition of NH3 on platinum surface is zero order reaction. What are the rates of production of N2 and H2 if k = 2.5 × 10–4 mol–1 L s–1? 3.4 The decomposition of dimethyl ether leads to the formation of CH4, H2 and CO and the reaction rate is given by Rate = k [CH3OCH3]3/2 The rate of reaction is followed by increase in pressure in a closed vessel, so the rate can also be expressed in terms of the partial pressure of dimethyl ether, i.e., 3/2 Rate = k ( p CH 3 OCH 3 ) If the pressure is measured in bar and time in minutes, then what are the units of rate and rate constants? 3.5 Mention the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction. 3.6 A reaction is second order with respect to a reactant. How is the rate of reaction affected if the concentration of the reactant is (i) doubled (ii) reduced to half ? 3.7 What is the effect of temperature on the rate constant of a reaction? How can this effect of temperature on rate constant be represented quantitatively? 3.8 In a pseudo first order reaction in water, the following results were obtained: t/s 0 30 60 90 [A]/ mol L–1 0.55 0.31 0.17 0.085 Calculate the average rate of reaction between the time interval 30 to 60 seconds.

6.7 Relationship between to such a small degree that only a very Equilibrium Constant K, minute quantity of product is formed. Reaction Quotient Q and Gibbs Energy G Problem 6.10 The value of Kc for a reaction does not depend The value of ∆G  for the phosphorylation of on the rate of the reaction. However, as you glucose in glycolysis is 13.8 kJ/mol. Find have studied in Unit 5, it is directly related the value of Kc at 298 K. to the thermodynamics of the reaction and Solutionin particular, to the change in Gibbs energy, ∆G. If, ∆G  = 13.8 kJ/mol = 13.8 × 103J/mol • ∆G is negative, then the reaction is Also, ∆G  = – RT lnKc spontaneous and proceeds in the forward Hence, ln Kc = –13.8 × 103J/mol direction. (8.314 J mol–1K–1 × 298 K) • ∆G is positive, then reaction is considered ln Kc = – 5.569 non-spontaneous. Instead, as reverse reaction would have a negative ∆G, the Kc = e–5.569 products of the forward reaction shall be Kc = 3.81 × 10–3 converted to the reactants. Problem 6.11• ∆G is 0, reaction has achieved equilibrium; Hydrolysis of sucrose gives, at this point, there is no longer any free energy left to drive the reaction. Sucrose + H2O Glucose + Fructose A mathematical expression of this Equilibrium constant Kc for the reaction is thermodynamic view of equilibrium can be 2 ×1013 at 300K. Calculate ∆G  at 300K. described by the following equation: Solution ∆G = ∆G + RT lnQ (6.21) ∆G  = – RT lnKcwhere, G is standard Gibbs energy. ∆G  = – 8.314J mol–1K–1× At equilibrium, when ∆G = 0 and Q = Kc, 300K × ln(2×1013) the equation (6.21) becomes, ∆G  = – 7.64 ×104 J mol–1 ∆G = ∆G + RT ln K = 0 6.8 FACTORS AFFECTING EQUILIBRIA ∆G = – RT lnK (6.22) One of the principal goals of chemical lnK = – ∆G / RT synthesis is to maximise the conversion of the Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 185 reactants to products while minimising the “When the concentration of any of the expenditure of energy. This implies maximum reactants or products in a reaction at yield of products at mild temperature and equilibrium is changed, the composition pressure conditions. If it does not happen, of the equilibrium mixture changes so as then the experimental conditions need to be to minimize the effect of concentration adjusted. For example, in the Haber process changes”. for the synthesis of ammonia from N2 and Let us take the reaction, H2, the choice of experimental conditions is of real economic importance. Annual world H2(g) + I2(g) 2HI(g) production of ammonia is about hundred If H2 is added to the reaction mixture million tones, primarily for use as fertilisers. at equilibrium, then the equilibrium of the reaction is disturbed. In order to restore it, Equilibrium constant, Kc is independent the reaction proceeds in a direction whereinof initial concentrations. But if a system at equilibrium is subjected to a change in the H2 is consumed, i.e., more of H2 and I2 react to form HI and finally the equilibrium shiftsconcentration of one or more of the reacting in right (forward) direction (Fig.6.8). This is insubstances, then the system is no longer at accordance with the Le Chatelier’s principleequilibrium; and net reaction takes place in which implies that in case of addition of asome direction until the system returns to reactant/product, a new equilibrium willequilibrium once again. Similarly, a change be set up in which the concentration of thein temperature or pressure of the system may reactant/product should be less than what italso alter the equilibrium. In order to decide was after the addition but more than what itwhat course the reaction adopts and make was in the original mixture.a qualitative prediction about the effect of a change in conditions on equilibrium we use Le Chatelier’s principle. It states that a change in any of the factors that determine the equilibrium conditions of a system will cause the system to change in such a manner so as to reduce or to counteract the effect of the change. This is applicable to all physical and chemical equilibria. We shall now be discussing factors which can influence the equilibrium. 6.8.1 Effect of Concentration Change In general, when equilibrium is disturbed by the addition/removal of any reactant/ products, Le Chatelier’s principle predicts that: • The concentration stress of an added reactant/product is relieved by net Fig. 6.8 Effect of addition of H2 on change reaction in the direction that consumes of concentration for the reactants the added substance. and products in the reaction, • The concentration stress of a removed H2(g) + I2 (g) 2HI(g) reactant/product is relieved by net reaction in the direction that replenishes The same point can be explained in terms the removed substance. of the reaction quotient, Qc, or in other words, Qc = [HI]2/ [H2][I2] Reprint 2025-26 186 chemistry Addition of hydrogen at equilibrium concentration of [Fe(SCN)]2+ decreases, the results in value of Qc being less than Kc . Thus, intensity of red colour decreases. in order to attain equilibrium again reaction Addition of aq. HgCl2 also decreases redmoves in the forward direction. Similarly, colour because Hg2+ reacts with SCN– ions to we can say that removal of a product also form stable complex ion [Hg(SCN)4]2–. Removalboosts the forward reaction and increases of free SCN– (aq) shifts the equilibrium the concentration of the products and this in equation (6.24) from right to left to has great commercial application in cases replenish SCN– ions. Addition of potassium of reactions, where the product is a gas or a thiocyanate on the other hand increases the volatile substance. In case of manufacture of colour intensity of the solution as it shift the ammonia, ammonia is liquified and removed equilibrium to right. from the reaction mixture so that reaction keeps moving in forward direction. Similarly, 6.8.2 Effect of Pressure Change in the large scale production of CaO (used A pressure change obtained by changing the as important building material) from CaCO3, volume can affect the yield of products in constant removal of CO2 from the kiln drives case of a gaseous reaction where the total the reaction to completion. It should be number of moles of gaseous reactants and remembered that continuous removal of a total number of moles of gaseous products are product maintains Qc at a value less than Kc different. In applying Le Chatelier’s principle and reaction continues to move in the forward to a heterogeneous equilibrium the effect direction. of pressure changes on solids and liquids can be ignored because the volume (and Effect of Concentration – An experiment concentration) of a solution/liquid is nearly This can be demonstrated by the following independent of pressure. reaction: Consider the reaction, Fe3+(aq)+ SCN–(aq) [Fe(SCN)]2+(aq) (6.24) CO(g) + 3H2(g) CH4(g) + H2O(g)yellow colourless deep red Here, 4 mol of gaseous reactants (CO + 3H2) become 2 mol of gaseous products (CH4 + H2O). Suppose equilibrium mixture (for above (6.25) reaction) kept in a cylinder fitted with a piston at constant temperature is compressed to A reddish colour appears on adding two one half of its original volume. Then, totaldrops of 0.002 M potassium thiocynate solution pressure will be doubled (according to to 1 mL of 0.2 M iron(III) nitrate solution due pV = constant). The partial pressure and to the formation of [Fe(SCN)]2+. The intensity therefore, concentration of reactants and of the red colour becomes constant on products have changed and the mixture is no attaining equilibrium. This equilibrium can be longer at equilibrium. The direction in which shifted in either forward or reverse directions the reaction goes to re-establish equilibrium depending on our choice of adding a reactant can be predicted by applying the Le Chatelier’s or a product. The equilibrium can be shifted principle. Since pressure has doubled, in the opposite direction by adding reagents the equilibrium now shifts in the forward that remove Fe3+ or SCN– ions. For example, direction, a direction in which the number oxalic acid (H2C2O4), reacts with Fe3+ ions of moles of the gas or pressure decreases (we to form the stable complex ion [Fe(C2O4)3]3–, know pressure is proportional to moles of the thus decreasing the concentration of free gas). This can also be understood by using Fe3+(aq). In accordance with the Le Chatelier’s reaction quotient, Qc. Let [CO], [H2], [CH4] principle, the concentration stress of removed and [H2O] be the molar concentrations at Fe3+ is relieved by dissociation of [Fe(SCN)]2+ equilibrium for methanation reaction. When to replenish the Fe3+ ions. Because the volume of the reaction mixture is halved, the Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 187 partial pressure and the concentration are Production of ammonia according to the doubled. We obtain the reaction quotient by reaction, replacing each equilibrium concentration by N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g);double its value. ∆H= – 92.38 kJ mol–1  CH 4 ( g )  H 2 O ( g ) is an exothermic process. According to Qc = 3  CO ( g )  H 2 ( g ) Le Chatelier’s principle, raising the temperature shifts the equilibrium to left As Qc < Kc , the reaction proceeds in the and decreases the equilibrium concentration forward direction. of ammonia. In other words, low temperature is favourable for high yield of ammonia, but In reaction C(s) + CO2(g) 2CO(g), when practically very low temperatures slow downpressure is increased, the reaction goes in the the reaction and thus a catalyst is used.reverse direction because the number of moles of gas increases in the forward direction. Effect of Temperature – An experiment Effect of temperature on equilibrium can6.8.3 Effect of Inert Gas Addition be demonstrated by taking NO2 gas (brown If the volume is kept constant and an inert gas in colour) which dimerises into N2O4 gas such as argon is added which does not take (colourless). part in the reaction, the equilibrium remains 2NO2(g) N2O4(g); ∆H = –57.2 kJ mol–1undisturbed. It is because the addition of an inert gas at constant volume does not NO2 gas prepared by addition of Cu change the partial pressures or the molar turnings to conc. HNO3 is collected in two 5 mL test tubes (ensuring same intensityconcentrations of the substance involved in of colour of gas in each tube) and stopperthe reaction. The reaction quotient changes sealed with araldite. Three 250 mL beakersonly if the added gas is a reactant or product 1, 2 and 3 containing freesing mixture, waterinvolved in the reaction. at room temperature and hot water (363K), 6.8.4 Effect of Temperature Change respectively, are taken (Fig. 6.9). Both the test tubes are placed in beaker 2 for 8-10 minutes.Whenever an equilibrium is disturbed by After this one is placed in beaker 1 and thea change in the concentration, pressure or other in beaker 3. The effect of temperaturevolume, the composition of the equilibrium on direction of reaction is depicted very wellmixture changes because the reaction in this experiment. At low temperatures inquotient, Qc no longer equals the equilibrium beaker 1, the forward reaction of formation ofconstant, Kc. However, when a change in temperature occurs, the value of equilibrium N2O4 is preferred, as reaction is exothermic, and thus, intensity of brown colour dueconstant, Kc is changed. to NO2 decreases. While in beaker 3, high In general, the temperature dependence temperature favours the reverse reaction of of the equilibrium constant depends on the sign of ∆H for the reaction. • The equilibrium constant for an exothermic reaction (negative ∆H) decreases as the temperature increases. • The equilibrium constant for an endothermic reaction (positive ∆H) increases as the temperature increases. Temperature changes affect the Fig. 6.9 Effect of temperature on equilibrium for the reaction, 2NO2 (g) N2O4 (g)equilibrium constant and rates of reactions. Reprint 2025-26 188 chemistry formation of NO2 and thus, the brown colour Similarly, in manufacture of sulphuric intensifies. acid by contact process, Effect of temperature can also be seen in 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g); Kc = 1.7 × 1026 an endothermic reaction, though the value of K is suggestive of reaction [Co(H2O)6]3+(aq) + 4Cl–(aq) [CoCl4]2–(aq) + going to completion, but practically the 6H2O(l) oxidation of SO2 to SO3 is very slow. Thus, pink colourless blue platinum or divanadium penta-oxide (V2O5) is used as catalyst to increase the rate of the At room temperature, the equilibrium reaction.mixture is blue due to [CoCl4]2–. When cooled Note: If a reaction has an exceedingly smallin a freesing mixture, the colour of the mixture K, a catalyst would be of little help.turns pink due to [Co(H2O)6]3+. 6.9 IONIC EQUILIBRIUM IN SOLUTION6.8.5 Effect of a Catalyst Under the effect of change of concentrationA catalyst increases the rate of the chemical on the direction of equilibrium, you havereaction by making available a new low energy pathway for the conversion of reactants to incidently come across with the following products. It increases the rate of forward equilibrium which involves ions: and reverse reactions that pass through the Fe3+(aq) + SCN–(aq) [Fe(SCN)]2+(aq) same transition state and does not affect There are numerous equilibria that involve equilibrium. Catalyst lowers the activation ions only. In the following sections we will energy for the forward and reverse reactions study the equilibria involving ions. It is well by exactly the same amount. Catalyst does known that the aqueous solution of sugar not affect the equilibrium composition of does not conduct electricity. However, when a reaction mixture. It does not appear in common salt (sodium chloride) is added the balanced chemical equation or in the to water it conducts electricity. Also, the equilibrium constant expression. conductance of electricity increases with an Let us consider the formation of NH3 increase in concentration of common salt. from dinitrogen and dihydrogen which is Michael Faraday classified the substances highly exothermic reaction and proceeds into two categories based on their ability with decrease in total number of moles to conduct electricity. One category of formed as compared to the reactants. substances conduct electricity in their Equilibrium constant decreases with increase aqueous solutions and are called electrolytes in temperature. At low temperature rate while the other do not and are thus, referred to decreases and it takes long time to reach at as non-electrolytes. Faraday further classified equilibrium, whereas high temperatures give electrolytes into strong and weak electrolytes. satisfactory rates but poor yields. Strong electrolytes on dissolution in water German chemist, Fritz Haber discovered are ionized almost completely, while the weak that a catalyst consisting of iron catalyse electrolytes are only partially dissociated. the reaction to occur at a satisfactory rate For example, an aqueous solution of at temperatures, where the equilibrium sodium chloride is comprised entirely of concentration of NH3 is reasonably favourable. sodium ions and chloride ions, while that Since the number of moles formed in the of acetic acid mainly contains unionized reaction is less than those of reactants, the acetic acid molecules and only some acetate yield of NH3 can be improved by increasing ions and hydronium ions. This is because the pressure. there is almost 100% ionization in case Optimum conditions of temperature of sodium chloride as compared to less and pressure for the synthesis of NH3 using than 5% ionization of acetic acid which is catalyst are around 500°C and 200 atm. a weak electrolyte. It should be noted Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 189 that in weak electrolytes, equilibrium is exists in solid state as a cluster of positively established between ions and the unionized charged sodium ions and negatively charged molecules. This type of equilibrium involving chloride ions which are held together due to ions in aqueous solution is called ionic electrostatic interactions between oppositely equilibrium. Acids, bases and salts come charged species (Fig.6.10). The electrostatic under the category of electrolytes and may act forces between two charges are inversely as either strong or weak electrolytes. proportional to dielectric constant of the medium. Water, a universal solvent, possesses