1.27 If the solubility product of CuS is 6 × 10–16, calculate the maximum molarity of CuS in aqueous solution.

6.11 IONIZATION OF ACIDS AND BASES and the equilibrium will shift in the direction of weaker acid. Say, if HA is a stronger acidArrhenius concept of acids and bases than H3O+, then HA will donate protons andbecomes useful in case of ionization of acids not H3O+, and the solution will mainly containand bases as mostly ionizations in chemical A– and H3O+ ions. The equilibrium moves inand biological systems occur in aqueous the direction of formation of weaker acid medium. Strong acids like perchloric acid Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 193 and weaker base because the stronger acid H2O(l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH–(aq) donates a proton to the stronger base. acid base conjugate conjugate It follows that as a strong acid dissociates acid base completely in water, the resulting base formed The dissociation constant is represented by, would be very weak i.e., strong acids have K = [H3O+] [OH–] / [H2O] (6.26)very weak conjugate bases. Strong acids like perchloric acid (HClO4), hydrochloric acid The concentration of water is omitted from (HCl), hydrobromic acid (HBr), hydroiodic acid the denominator as water is a pure liquid and (HI), nitric acid (HNO3) and sulphuric acid its concentration remains constant. [H2O] is (H2SO4) will give conjugate base ions ClO4–, Cl, incorporated within the equilibrium constant Br–, I–, NO3– and HSO4– , which are much weaker to give a new constant, Kw, which is called the bases than H2O. Similarly a very strong base ionic product of water. would give a very weak conjugate acid. On the Kw = [H+][OH–] (6.27) other hand, a weak acid say HA is only partially The concentration of H+ has been founddissociated in aqueous medium and thus, the out experimentally as 1.0 × 10–7 M at 298 K.solution mainly contains undissociated HA And, as dissociation of water produces equalmolecules. Typical weak acids are nitrous number of H+ and OH– ions, the concentrationacid (HNO2), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and acetic of hydroxyl ions, [OH–] = [H+] = 1.0 × 10–7 M.acid (CH3COOH). It should be noted that the Thus, the value of Kw at 298K,weak acids have very strong conjugate bases. For example, NH2–, O 2– and H– are very good Kw = [H3O+][OH–] = (1 × 10–7)2 = 1 × 10–14 M2 proton acceptors and thus, much stronger (6.28) bases than H2O. The value of Kw is temperature dependent Certain water soluble organic compounds as it is an equilibrium constant. like phenolphthalein and bromothymol blue The density of pure water is 1000 g / Lbehave as weak acids and exhibit different and its molar mass is 18.0 g /mol. From thiscolours in their acid (HIn) and conjugate base the molarity of pure water can be given as,(In– ) forms. [H2O] = (1000 g /L)(1 mol/18.0 g) = 55.55 M.HIn(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + In–(aq) Therefore, the ratio of dissociated water toacid conjugate conjugate that of undissociated water can be given as: indicator acid base 10–7 / (55.55) = 1.8 × 10–9 or ~ 2 in 10–9 (thus, colour A colour B equilibrium lies mainly towards undissociated Such compounds are useful as indicators water) in acid-base titrations, and finding out H+ ion We can distinguish acidic, neutral andconcentration. basic aqueous solutions by the relative values 6.11.1 The Ionization Constant of Water of the H3O+ and OH– concentrations: and its Ionic Product Acidic: [H3O+] > [OH– ]Some substances like water are unique in Neutral: [H3O+] = [OH– ]their ability of acting both as an acid and a base. We have seen this in case of water in Basic : [H3O+] < [OH–] section 6.10.2. In presence of an acid, HA it accepts a proton and acts as the base while 6.11.2 The pH Scale in the presence of a base, B– it acts as an Hydronium ion concentration in molarity is acid by donating a proton. In pure water, one more conveniently expressed on a logarithmic H2O molecule donates proton and acts as an scale known as the pH scale. The pH of a acid and another water molecules accepts a solution is defined as the negative logarithm proton and acts as a base at the same time. of hydrogen to base 10 of the activity  aH The following equilibrium exists: Reprint 2025-26 194 chemistry ion. In dilute solutions (< 0.01 M), activity when the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+] of hydrogen ion (H+) is equal in magnitude changes by a factor of 100, the value of pH to molarity represented by [H+]. It should changes by 2 units. Now you can realise why be noted that activity has no units and is the change in pH with temperature is often defined as: ignored. = [H+] / mol L–1 Measurement of pH of a solution is very essential as its value should be known From the definition of pH, the following when dealing with biological and cosmeticcan be written, applications. The pH of a solution can be pH = – log aH+ = – log {[H+] / mol L–1} found roughly with the help of pH paper that has different colour in solutions of different Thus, an acidic solution of HCl (10–2 M) will have a pH = 2. Similarly, a basic solution pH. Now-a-days pH paper is available with of NaOH having [OH–] =10–4 M and [H3O+] = four strips on it. The different strips have 10–10 M will have a pH = 10. At 25 °C, pure different colours (Fig. 6.11) at the same pH. water has a concentration of hydrogen ions, The pH in the range of 1-14 can be determined [H+] = 10–7 M. Hence, the pH of pure water is with an accuracy of ~0.5 using pH paper. given as: pH = –log(10–7) = 7 Acidic solutions possess a concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+] > 10–7 M, while basic solutions possess a concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+] < 10–7 M. thus, we can summarise that Fig.6.11 pH-paper with four strips that may haveAcidic solution has pH < 7 different colours at the same pH Basic solution has pH > 7 For greater accuracy pH meters are used.Neutral solution has pH = 7 pH meter is a device that measures the Now again, consider the equation (6.28) pH-dependent electrical potential of the testat 298 K solution within 0.001 precision. pH meters Kw = [H3O+] [OH–] = 10–14 of the size of a writing pen are now available Taking negative logarithm on both sides in the market. The pH of some very common of equation, we obtain substances are given in Table 6.5 (page 195). –log Kw = – log {[H3O+] [OH–]} Problem 6.16 = – log [H3O+] – log [OH–] –14 The concentration of hydrogen ion in a = – log 10 sample of soft drink is 3.8 × 10–3M. what pKw = pH + pOH = 14 (6.29) is its pH ? Note that although Kw may change with temperature the variations in pH with Solution temperature are so small that we often pH = – log[3.8 × 10–3] ignore it. = – {log[3.8] + log[10–3]} pKw is a very important quantity for = – {(0.58) + (– 3.0)} = – { – 2.42} = 2.42 aqueous solutions and controls the relative Therefore, the pH of the soft drink is 2.42 concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxyl and it can be inferred that it is acidic. ions as their product is a constant. It should Problem 6.17be noted that as the pH scale is logarithmic, Calculate pH of a 1.0 × 10 –8 M solution ofa change in pH by just one unit also means HCl.change in [H+] by a factor of 10. Similarly, Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 195 Table 6.5 The pH of Some Common Substances Name of the Fluid pH Name of the Fluid pH Saturated solution of NaOH ~15 Black Coffee 5.0 0.1 M NaOH solution 13 Tomato juice ~4.2 Lime water 10.5 Soft drinks and vinegar ~3.0 Milk of magnesia 10 Lemon juice ~2.2 Egg white, sea water 7.8 Gastric juice ~1.2 Human blood 7.4 1M HCl solution ~0 Milk 6.8 Concentrated HCl ~–1.0 Human Saliva 6.4 equilibrium constant for the above discussed Solution acid-dissociation equilibrium: 2H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + OH–(aq) Ka = c2α2 / c(1-α) = cα2 / 1-α Kw = [OH–][H3O+] Ka is called the dissociation or ionization = 10–14 constant of acid HX. It can be represented Let, x = [OH–] = [H3O+] from H2O. The alternatively in terms of molar concentration H3O+ concentration is generated (i) from as follows, the ionization of HCl dissolved i.e., Ka = [H+][X–] / [HX] (6.30) HCl(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+ (aq) + Cl –(aq), At a given temperature T, Ka is a and (ii) from ionization of H2O. In these very measure of the strength of the acid HX i.e., dilute solutions, both sources of H3O+ must larger the value of Ka, the stronger is the be considered: acid. Ka is a dimensionless quantity with [H3O+] = 10–8 + x the understanding that the standard state Kw = (10–8 + x)(x) = 10–14 concentration of all species is 1M. or x2 + 10–8 x – 10–14 = 0 The values of the ionization constants [OH– ] = x = 9.5 × 10–8 of some selected weak acids are given in Table 6.6. So, pOH = 7.02 and pH = 6.98 Table 6.6 The Ionization Constants of Some 6.11.3 Ionization Constants of Weak Acids Selected Weak Acids (at 298K) Consider a weak acid HX that is partially Acid Ionization Constant, ionized in the aqueous solution. The Ka equilibrium can be expressed by: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) 3.5 × 10–4 HX(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + X–(aq) Nitrous Acid (HNO2) 4.5 × 10–4 Initial Formic Acid (HCOOH) 1.8 × 10–4 concentration (M) c 0 0 Niacin (C5H4NCOOH) 1.5 × 10–5 Let α be the extent of ionization Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) 1.74 × 10–5 Change (M) Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH) 6.5 × 10–5 -cα +cα +cα Hypochlorous Acid (HCIO) 3.0 × 10–8 Equilibrium concentration (M) Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) 4.9 × 10–10 c-cα cα cα Phenol (C6H5OH) 1.3 × 10–10 Here, c = initial concentration of the undissociated acid, HX at time, t = 0. α = The pH scale for the hydrogen ion extent up to which HX is ionized into ions. concentration has been so useful that besides Using these notations, we can derive the pKw, it has been extended to other species and Reprint 2025-26 196 chemistry quantities. Thus, we have: Solution pKa = –log (Ka) (6.31) The following proton transfer reactions are Knowing the ionization constant, Ka possible: of an acid and its initial concentration, c, 1) HF + H2O H3O+ + F–it is possible to calculate the equilibrium Ka = 3.2 × 10–4concentration of all species and also the 2) H2O + H2O H3O+ + OH–degree of ionization of the acid and the pH of the solution. Kw = 1.0 × 10–14 As Ka >> Kw, [1] is the principle reaction. A general step-wise approach can be adopted to evaluate the pH of the weak HF + H2O H3O+ + F– electrolyte as follows: Initial Step 1. The species present before concentration (M) dissociation are identified as Brönsted-Lowry 0.02 0 0 acids/bases. Change (M) Step 2. Balanced equations for all possible –0.02α +0.02α +0.02α reactions i.e., with a species acting both as Equilibriumacid as well as base are written. concentration (M)Step 3. The reaction with the higher Ka is identified as the primary reaction whilst the 0.02 – 0.02 α 0.02 α 0.02α other is a subsidiary reaction. Substituting equilibrium concentrations Step 4. Enlist in a tabular form the following in the equilibrium reaction for principal reaction gives:values for each of the species in the primary reaction Ka = (0.02α)2 / (0.02 – 0.02α) (a) Initial concentration, c. = 0.02 α2 / (1 –α) = 3.2 × 10–4 (b) Change in concentration on proceeding We obtain the following quadratic equation: to equilibrium in terms of α, degree of α2 + 1.6 × 10–2α – 1.6 × 10–2 = 0 ionization. The quadratic equation in α can be solved (c) Equilibrium concentration. and the two values of the roots are: α = + 0.12 and – 0.12Step 5. Substitute equilibrium concentrations into equilibrium constant equation for The negative root is not acceptable and hence,principal reaction and solve for α. Step 6. Calculate the concentration of species α = 0.12 in principal reaction. This means that the degree of ionization, α = 0.12, then equilibrium concentrationsStep 7. Calculate pH = – log[H3O+] – of other species viz., HF, F and H3O+ are The above mentioned methodology has given by: been elucidated in the following examples. [H3O+] = [F –] = cα = 0.02 × 0.12 = 2.4 × 10–3 M Problem 6.18 [HF] = c(1 – α) = 0.02 (1 – 0.12) The ionization constant of HF is = 17.6 × 10-3 M 3.2 × 10–4. Calculate the degree of dissociation of HF in its 0.02 M solution. pH = – log[H+] = –log(2.4 × 10–3) = 2.62 Calculate the concentration of all species Problem 6.19 present (H3O+, F – and HF) in the solution The pH of 0.1M monobasic acid is 4.50. and its pH. Calculate the concentration of species H+, A– Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 197 and HA at equilibrium. Also, determine the Percent dissociation value of Ka and pKa of the monobasic acid. = {[HOCl]dissociated / [HOCl]initial }× 100 Solution = 1.41 × 10–3 × 102/ 0.08 = 1.76 %. pH = –log(1.41 × 10–3) = 2.85. pH = – log [H+] Therefore, [H+] = 10 –pH = 10–4.50 6.11.4 Ionization of Weak Bases = 3.16 × 10–5 The ionization of base MOH can be represented by equation: [H+] = [A–] = 3.16 × 10–5 MOH(aq) M+(aq) + OH–(aq) Thus, Ka = [H+][A-] / [HA] In a weak base there is partial ionization [HA]eqlbm = 0.1 – (3.16 × 10-5)  0.1 of MOH into M+ and OH–, the case is similar to that of acid-dissociation equilibrium. The Ka = (3.16 × 10–5)2 / 0.1 = 1.0 × 10–8 equilibrium constant for base ionization pKa = – log(10–8) = 8 is called base ionization constant and is represented by Kb. It can be expressed in Alternatively, “Percent dissociation” is terms of concentration in molarity of various another useful method for measure of strength of a weak acid and is given as: species in equilibrium by the following equation: Percent dissociation Kb = [M+][OH–] / [MOH] (6.33) = [HA]dissociated/[HA]initial × 100% (6.32) Alternatively, if c = initial concentration Problem 6.20 of base and α = degree of ionization of base i.e. the extent to which the base ionizes. Calculate the pH of 0.08M solution of hypochlorous acid, HOCl. The ionization When equilibrium is reached, the equilibrium constant of the acid is 2.5 × 10–5. Determine constant can be written as: the percent dissociation of HOCl. Kb = (cα)2 / c (1-α) = cα2 / (1-α) Solution The values of the ionization constants of some selected weak bases, Kb are given in HOCl(aq) + H2O (l) H3O+(aq) + ClO–(aq) Table 6.7. Initial concentration (M) Table 6.7 The Values of the Ionization 0.08 0 0 Constant of Some Weak Bases at Change to reach 298 K equilibrium concentration Base Kb (M) Dimethylamine, (CH3)2NH 5.4 × 10–4 – x + x +x Triethylamine, (C2H5)3N 6.45 × 10–5 equilibrium concentartion (M) Ammonia, NH3 or NH4OH 1.77 × 10–5 0.08 – x x x Quinine, (A plant product) 1.10 × 10–6 Ka = {[H3O+][ClO–] / [HOCl]} Pyridine, C5H5N 1.77 × 10–9 = x2 / (0.08 –x) Aniline, C6H5NH2 4.27 × 10–10 As x << 0.08, therefore 0.08 – x  0.08 Urea, CO (NH2)2 1.3 × 10–14 x2 / 0.08 = 2.5 × 10–5 Many organic compounds like amines x2 = 2.0 × 10–6, thus, x = 1.41 × 10–3 are weak bases. Amines are derivatives of [H+] = 1.41 × 10–3 M. ammonia in which one or more hydrogen Therefore, atoms are replaced by another group. For example, methylamine, codeine, quinine and Reprint 2025-26 198 chemistry nicotine all behave as very weak bases due to Kb = 10–4.75 = 1.77 × 10–5 Mtheir very small Kb. Ammonia produces OH– in aqueous solution: NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH– Initial concentration (M) NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) 0.10 0.20 0 The pH scale for the hydrogen ion Change to reachconcentration has been extended to get: pKb = –log (Kb) (6.34) equilibrium (M) –x +x +x At equilibrium (M) Problem 6.21 0.10 – x 0.20 + x x The pH of 0.004M hydrazine solution is 9.7. Kb = [NH4+][OH–] / [NH3] Calculate its ionization constant Kb and pKb. = (0.20 + x)(x) / (0.1 – x) = 1.77 × 10–5 Solution As Kb is small, we can neglect x in comparison NH2NH2 + H2O NH2NH3+ + OH– to 0.1M and 0.2M. Thus, From the pH we can calculate the hydrogen [OH–] = x = 0.88 × 10–5 ion concentration. Knowing hydrogen ion Therefore, [H+] = 1.12 × 10–9 concentration and the ionic product of pH = – log[H+] = 8.95. water we can calculate the concentration of hydroxyl ions. Thus we have: 6.11.5 Relation between Ka and Kb [H+] = antilog (–pH) As seen earlier in this chapter, Ka and Kb = antilog (–9.7) = 1.67 ×10–10 represent the strength of an acid and a base, [OH–] = Kw / [H+] = 1 × 10–14 / 1.67 × 10–10 respectively. In case of a conjugate acid-base pair, they are related in a simple manner so = 5.98 × 10–5 that if one is known, the other can be deduced. The concentration of the corresponding + Considering the example of NH4 and NH3 hydrazinium ion is also the same as that we see, of hydroxyl ion. The concentration of both these ions is very small so the concentration NH4+(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + NH3(aq) of the undissociated base can be taken Ka = [H3O+][ NH3] / [NH4+] = 5.6 × 10–10 equal to 0.004M. NH3(aq) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH–(aq) Thus, Kb =[ NH4+][ OH–] / NH3 = 1.8 × 10–5 Kb = [NH2NH3+][OH–] / [NH2NH2] Net: 2 H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH–(aq) = (5.98 × 10–5)2 / 0.004 = 8.96 × 10–7 Kw = [H3O+][ OH– ] = 1.0 × 10–14 M pKb = –logKb = –log(8.96 × 10–7) = 6.04. + Where, Ka represents the strength of NH4 Problem 6.22 as an acid and Kb represents the strength of Calculate the pH of the solution in which NH3 as a base. 0.2M NH4Cl and 0.1M NH3 are present. The It can be seen from the net reaction that pKb of ammonia solution is 4.75. the equilibrium constant is equal to the product of equilibrium constants Ka and Kb Solution for the reactions added. Thus, NH3 + H2O NH4+ + OH– Ka × Kb = {[H3O+][ NH3] / [NH4+ ]} × {[NH4 +] The ionization constant of NH3, [OH–] / [NH3]} Kb = antilog (–pKb) i.e. = [H3O+][OH–] = Kw = (5.6 ×10–10) × (1.8 × 10–5) = 1.0 × 10–14 M Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 199 This can be extended to make a + NH3 + H2O NH4 + OH–generalisation. The equilibrium constant We use equation (6.33) to calculatefor a net reaction obtained after adding hydroxyl ion concentration,two (or more) reactions equals the product [OH–] = c α = 0.05 αof the equilibrium constants for individual reactions: Kb = 0.05 α2 / (1 – α) The value of α is small, therefore the KNET = K1 × K2 × …… (6.35) quadratic equation can be simplified by Similarly, in case of a conjugate acid-base neglecting α in comparison to 1 in the pair, denominator on right hand side of the Ka × Kb = Kw (6.36) equation, Knowing one, the other can be obtained. Thus, It should be noted that a strong acid will have Kb = c α2 or α = √ (1.77 × 10–5 / 0.05) a weak conjugate base and vice-versa. = 0.018. Alternatively, the above expression [OH–] = c α = 0.05 × 0.018 = 9.4 × 10–4M. Kw = Ka × Kb, can also be obtained by [H+] = Kw / [OH–] = 10–14 / (9.4 × 10–4)considering the base-dissociation equilibrium reaction: = 1.06 × 10–11 B(aq) + H2O(l) BH+(aq) + OH–(aq) pH = –log(1.06 × 10–11) = 10.97. Kb = [BH+][OH–] / [B] Now, using the relation for conjugate As the concentration of water remains acid-base pair, constant it has been omitted from the Ka × Kb = Kw denominator and incorporated within the using the value of Kb of NH3 fromdissociation constant. Then multiplying and Table 6.7.dividing the above expression by [H+], we get: We can determine the concentration of Kb = [BH+][OH–][H+] / [B][H+] + conjugate acid NH4 ={[ OH–][H+]}{[BH+] / [B][H+]} Ka = Kw / Kb = 10–14 / 1.77 × 10–5 = Kw / Ka = 5.64 × 10–10. or Ka × Kb = Kw It may be noted that if we take negative logarithm of both sides of the equation, then 6.11.6 Di- and Polybasic Acids and Di- pK values of the conjugate acid and base are and Polyacidic Bases related to each other by the equation: Some of the acids like oxalic acid, sulphuric pKa + pKb = pKw = 14 (at 298K) acid and phosphoric acids have more than one ionizable proton per molecule of the Problem 6.23 acid. Such acids are known as polybasic or polyprotic acids. Determine the degree of ionization and pH of The ionization reactions for example for a 0.05M of ammonia solution. The ionization a dibasic acid H2X are represented by the constant of ammonia can be taken from equations: Table 6.7. Also, calculate the ionization H2X(aq) H+(aq) + HX–(aq) constant of the conjugate acid of ammonia. HX–(aq) H+(aq) + X2–(aq) Solution And the corresponding equilibrium The ionization of NH3 in water is represented constants are given below: by equation: Ka1= {[H+][HX–]} / [H2X] and Reprint 2025-26 200 chemistry Ka2 = {[H+][X2-]} / [HX-] In general, when strength of H-A bond decreases, that is, the energy required to break Here, Ka1and Ka2are called the first and second the bond decreases, HA becomes a stronger ionization constants respectively of the acid H2 acid. Also, when the H-A bond becomes more X. Similarly, for tribasic acids like H3PO4 we polar i.e., the electronegativity difference have three ionization constants. The values between the atoms H and A increases and of the ionization constants for some common there is marked charge separation, cleavage polyprotic acids are given in Table 6.8. of the bond becomes easier thereby increasing Table 6.8 The Ionization Constants of Some the acidity. Common Polyprotic Acids (298K) But it should be noted that while comparing elements in the same group of the periodic table, H-A bond strength is a more important factor in determining acidity than its polar nature. As the size of A increases down the group, H-A bond strength decreases and so the acid strength increases. For example, Size increases HF << HCl << HBr << HI It can be seen that higher order ionization Acid strength increasesconstants (Ka2, Ka3) are smaller than the Similarly, H2S is stronger acid than H2O.lower order ionization constant (Ka1) of a polyprotic acid. The reason for this is that But, when we discuss elements in the same it is more difficult to remove a positively row of the periodic table, H-A bond polarity charged proton from a negative ion due to becomes the deciding factor for determining electrostatic forces. This can be seen in the the acid strength. As the electronegativity case of removing a proton from the uncharged of A increases, the strength of the acid also H2CO3 as compared from a negatively charged increases. For example, HCO3–. Similarly, it is more difficult to remove 2– Electronegativity of A increasesa proton from a doubly charged HPO4 anion as compared to H2PO4–. CH4 < NH3 < H2O < HF Polyprotic acid solutions contain a Acid strength increases mixture of acids like H2A, HA– and A2– in case 6.11.8 Common Ion Effect in theof a diprotic acid. H2A being a strong acid, the Ionization of Acids and Basesprimary reaction involves the dissociation of H2 A, and H3O+ in the solution comes mainly Consider an example of acetic acid dissociation from the first dissociation step. equilibrium represented as: CH3COOH(aq) H+(aq) + CH3COO– (aq)6.11.7 Factors Affecting Acid Strength or HAc(aq) H+ (aq) + Ac– (aq)Having discussed quantitatively the strengths of acids and bases, we come to a stage where Ka = [H+][Ac– ] / [HAc] we can calculate the pH of a given acid Addition of acetate ions to an aceticsolution. But, the curiosity rises about why acid solution results in decreasing theshould some acids be stronger than others? concentration of hydrogen ions, [H+]. Also,What factors are responsible for making if H+ ions are added from an external sourcethem stronger? The answer lies in its being a then the equilibrium moves in the directioncomplex phenomenon. But, broadly speaking of undissociated acetic acid i.e., in a directionwe can say that the extent of dissociation of of reducing the concentration of hydrogenan acid depends on the strength and polarity ions, [H+]. This phenomenon is an exampleof the H-A bond. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 201 of common ion effect. It can be defined as Thus, x = 1.33 × 10–3 = [OH–] a shift in equilibrium on adding a substance that provides more of an ionic species already Therefore, [H+] = Kw / [OH–] = 10–14 / present in the dissociation equilibrium. (1.33 × 10–3) = 7.51 × 10–12 Thus, we can say that common ion effect is pH = –log (7.5 × 10–12) = 11.12a phenomenon based on the Le Chatelier’s principle discussed in section 6.8. On addition of 25 mL of 0.1M HCl solution (i.e., 2.5 mmol of HCl) to 50 In order to evaluate the pH of the solution mL of 0.1M ammonia solution (i.e., 5resulting on addition of 0.05M acetate ion to mmol of NH3), 2.5 mmol of ammonia0.05M acetic acid solution, we shall consider molecules are neutralized. The resultingthe acetic acid dissociation equilibrium once 75 mL solution contains the remaining again, unneutralized 2.5 mmol of NH3 molecules HAc(aq) H+(aq) + Ac–(aq) and 2.5 mmol of NH4+. Initial concentration (M) NH3 + HCl → NH4+ + Cl– 0.05 0 0.05 2.5 2.5 0 0 At equilibrium Let x be the extent of ionization of acetic acid. 0 0 2.5 2.5 Change in concentration (M) The resulting 75 mL of solution contains 2.5 mmol of NH4+ ions (i.e., 0.033 M) and –x +x +x 2.5 mmol (i.e., 0.033 M ) of uneutralised Equilibrium concentration (M) NH3 molecules. This NH3 exists in the 0.05-x x 0.05+x following equilibrium: Therefore, NH4OH   NH4+ + OH– 0.033M – y y yKa= [H+][Ac– ]/[H Ac] = {(0.05+x)(x)}/(0.05-x) where, y = [OH–] = [NH4+]As Ka is small for a very weak acid, x<<0.05. The final 75 mL solution afterHence, (0.05 + x) ≈ (0.05 – x) ≈ 0.05 neutralisation already contains Thus, + 2.5 m mol NH4 ions (i.e. 0.033M), thus 1.8 × 10–5 = (x) (0.05 + x) / (0.05 – x) total concentration of NH4+ ions is given as:= x(0.05) / (0.05) = x = [H+] = 1.8 × 10–5M [NH4+] = 0.033 + ypH = – log(1.8 × 10–5) = 4.74 As y is small, [NH4OH]  0.033 M and Problem 6.24 [NH4+]  0.033M. We know, Calculate the pH of a 0.10M ammonia solution. Calculate the pH after 50.0 mL Kb = [NH4+][OH–] / [NH4OH] of this solution is treated with 25.0 mL of = y (0.033)/(0.033) = 1.77 × 10–5 M 0.10M HCl. The dissociation constant of Thus, y = 1.77 × 10–5 = [OH–] ammonia, Kb = 1.77 × 10–5 [H+] = 10–14 / 1.77 × 10–5 = 0.56 × 10–9 Solution + Hence, pH = 9.24 NH3 + H2O → NH4 + OH– Kb = [NH4 +][OH–] / [NH3] = 1.77 × 10–5 6.11.9 Hydrolysis of Salts and the pH of Before neutralization, their Solutions [NH4 +] = [OH–] = x Salts formed by the reactions between acids [NH3] = 0.10 – x  0.10 and bases in definite proportions, undergo x2 / 0.10 = 1.77 × 10–5 ionization in water. The cations/anions Reprint 2025-26 202 chemistry formed on ionization of salts either exist as increased of H+ ion concentration in solution hydrated ions in aqueous solutions or interact making the solution acidic. Thus, the pH of with water to reform corresponding acids/ NH4Cl solution in water is less than 7. bases depending upon the nature of salts. Consider the hydrolysis of CH3COONH4The later process of interaction between salt formed from weak acid and weak base. water and cations/anions or both of salts The ions formed undergo hydrolysis as follow: is called hydrolysis. The pH of the solution + gets affected by this interaction. The cations CH3COO– + NH4 + H2O CH3COOH + (e.g., Na+, K+, Ca2+, Ba2+, etc.) of strong bases NH4OH and anions (e.g., Cl–, Br–, NO3–, ClO4– etc.) of CH3COOH and NH4OH, also remain into strong acids simply get hydrated but do not partially dissociated form: hydrolyse, and therefore the solutions of CH3COOH CH3COO– + H+ salts formed from strong acids and bases are + NH4OH NH4 + OH–neutral i.e., their pH is 7. However, the other category of salts do undergo hydrolysis. H2O H+ + OH– We now consider the hydrolysis of the Without going into detailed calculation, salts of the following types : it can be said that degree of hydrolysis is (i) salts of weak acid and strong base e.g., independent of concentration of solution, and CH3COONa. pH of such solutions is determined by their pK values:(ii) salts of strong acid and weak base e.g., NH4Cl, and pH = 7 + ½ (pKa – pKb) (6.38) (iii) salts of weak acid and weak base, e.g., The pH of solution can be greater than 7, CH3COONH4. if the difference is positive and it will be less In the first case, CH3COONa being a salt of than 7, if the difference is negative. weak acid, CH3COOH and strong base, NaOH Problem 6.25gets completely ionised in aqueous solution. The pKa of acetic acid and pKb of ammoniumCH3COONa(aq) → CH3COO– (aq)+ Na+(aq) hydroxide are 4.76 and 4.75 respectively. Acetate ion thus formed undergoes Calculate the pH of ammonium acetate hydrolysis in water to give acetic acid and solution. OH– ions Solution CH3COO–(aq)+H2O(l) CH3COOH(aq)+OH–(aq) pH = 7 + ½ [pKa – pKb] Acetic acid being a weak acid = 7 + ½ [4.76 – 4.75] (Ka = 1.8 × 10–5) remains mainly unionised in = 7 + ½ [0.01] = 7 + 0.005 = 7.005solution. This results in increase of OH– ion concentration in solution making it alkaline. The pH of such a solution is more than 7. 6.12 BUFFER SOLUTIONS Many body fluids e.g., blood or urine have Similarly, NH4Cl formed from weak definite pH and any deviation in their pHbase, NH4OH and strong acid, HCl, in water indicates malfunctioning of the body. Thedissociates completely. + control of pH is also very important in NH4Cl(aq) → NH 4(aq) +Cl– (aq) many chemical and biochemical processes. Ammonium ions undergo hydrolysis with Many medical and cosmetic formulations water to form NH4OH and H+ ions require that these be kept and administered NH +4 (aq) + H2O (1) NH4OH(aq) + H+(aq) at a particular pH. The solutions which Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base resist change in pH on dilution or with (Kb = 1.77 × 10–5) and therefore remains the addition of small amounts of acid or almost unionised in solution. This results in alkali are called Buffer Solutions. Buffer Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 203 solutions of known pH can be prepared from acid present in the mixture. Since acid is a the knowledge of pKa of the acid or pKb of base weak acid, it ionises to a very little extent and and by controlling the ratio of the salt and acid concentration of [HA] is negligibly different or salt and base. A mixture of acetic acid and from concentration of acid taken to form sodium acetate acts as buffer solution around buffer. Also, most of the conjugate base, [A—], pH 4.75 and a mixture of ammonium chloride comes from the ionisation of salt of the acid. and ammonium hydroxide acts as a buffer Therefore, the concentration of conjugate around pH 9.25. You will learn more about base will be negligibly different from the buffer solutions in higher classes. concentration of salt. Thus, equation (6.40) takes the form:6.12.1 Designing Buffer Solution [Salt]Knowledge of pKa, pKb and equilibrium pH=pKa + log constant help us to prepare the buffer solution [Acid] of known pH. Let us see how we can do this. In the equation (6.39), if the concentration Preparation of Acidic Buffer of [A—] is equal to the concentration of [HA], then pH = pKa because value of log 1 is zero.To prepare a buffer of acidic pH we use weak Thus if we take molar concentration of acidacid and its salt formed with strong base. and salt (conjugate base) same, the pH of theWe develop the equation relating the pH, the buffer solution will be equal to the pKa of theequilibrium constant, Ka of weak acid and acid. So for preparing the buffer solution ofratio of concentration of weak acid and its the required pH we select that acid whose pKaconjugate base. For the general case where is close to the required pH. For acetic acidthe weak acid HA ionises in water, pKa value is 4.76, therefore pH of the buffer HA + H2O  H3O+ + A– solution formed by acetic acid and sodium For which we can write the expression acetate taken in equal molar concentration will be around 4.76. A similar analysis of a buffer made with a weak base and its conjugate acid leads to Rearranging the expression we have, the result, [Conjugate acid,BH+] pOH= p K b +log [Base,B] Taking logarithm on both the sides and (6.41) rearranging the terms we get — pH of the buffer solution can be calculated by using the equation pH + pOH =14. We know that pH + pOH = pKw and Or pKa + pKb = pKw. On putting these values in equation (6.41) it takes the form as follows:  (6.39) [Conjugate acid,BH ] p K w - pH= p K w  p Ka  log [Base,B] or + [Conjugate acid,BH ] pH= p Ka + log (6.40) [Base,B] (6.42) The expression (6.40) is known as If molar concentration of base and its Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. The conjugate acid (cation) is same then pH of the buffer solution will be same as pKa for the quantity is the ratio of concentration base. pKa value for ammonia is s9.25; therefore a buffer of pH close to 9.25 can be obtained of conjugate base (anion) of the acid and the by taking ammonia solution and ammonium Reprint 2025-26 204 chemistry chloride solution of same molar concentration. We shall now consider the equilibrium For a buffer solution formed by ammonium between the sparingly soluble ionic salt and chloride and ammonium hydroxide, equation its saturated aqueous solution. (6.42) becomes: 6.13.1 Solubility Product Constant + [Conjugate acid,BH ] pH= 9 .25 + log Let us now have a solid like barium sulphate [Base,B] in contact with its saturated aqueous solution. pH of the buffer solution is not affected by The equilibrium between the undisolved solid dilution because ratio under the logarithmic and the ions in a saturated solution can be term remains unchanged. represented by the equation: 6.13 SOLUBILITY EQUILIBRIA OF BaSO4(s)  Ba2+(aq) + SO42–(aq), SPARINGLY SOLUBLE SALTS We have already known that the solubility of The equilibrium constant is given by the ionic solids in water varies a great deal. Some of equation: these (like calcium chloride) are so soluble that K = {[Ba2+][SO42–]} / [BaSO4] they are hygroscopic in nature and even absorb For a pure solid substance thewater vapour from atmosphere. Others (such concentration remains constant and we canas lithium fluoride) have so little solubility writethat they are commonly termed as insoluble. The solubility depends on a number of factors Ksp = K[BaSO4] = [Ba2+][SO42–] (6.43) important amongst which are the lattice We call Ksp the solubility product constant enthalpy of the salt and the solvation enthalpy or simply solubility product. The experimental of the ions in a solution. For a salt to dissolve value of Ksp in above equation at 298K is in a solvent the strong forces of attraction 1.1 × 10–10. This means that for solid barium between its ions (lattice enthalpy) must be sulphate in equilibrium with its saturated overcome by the ion-solvent interactions. The solution, the product of the concentrations solvation enthalpy of ions is referred to in of barium and sulphate ions is equal terms of solvation which is always negative i.e. to its solubility product constant. The energy is released in the process of solvation. concentrations of the two ions will be equal to The amount of solvation enthalpy depends on the molar solubility of the barium sulphate. the nature of the solvent. In case of a non- If molar solubility is S, then polar (covalent) solvent, solvation enthalpy is 1.1 × 10–10 = (S)(S) = S2small and hence, not sufficient to overcome or S = 1.05 × 10–5.lattice enthalpy of the salt. Consequently, the salt does not dissolve in non-polar solvent. As Thus, molar solubility of barium sulphate a general rule, for a salt to be able to dissolve will be equal to 1.05 × 10–5 mol L–1. in a particular solvent its solvation enthalpy A salt may give on dissociation two or must be greater than its lattice enthalpy so more than two anions and cations carrying that the latter may be overcome by former. different charges. For example, consider a salt Each salt has its characteristic solubility which like zirconium phosphate of molecular formula depends on temperature. We classify salts on (Zr4+)3(PO43–)4. It dissociates into 3 zirconium the basis of their solubility in the following cations of charge +4 and 4 phosphate anions of charge –3. If the molar solubility ofthree categories. zirconium phosphate is S, then it can be seen Category I Soluble Solubility > 0.1M from the stoichiometry of the compound that Category II Slightly 0.01M<Solubility< 0.1M [Zr4+] = 3S and [PO43–] = 4S Soluble Category III Sparingly Solubility < 0.01M and Ksp = (3S)3 (4S)4 = 6912 (S)7 Soluble or S = {Ksp / (33 × 44)}1/7 = (Ksp / 6912)1/7 Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 205 A solid salt of the general formula M px  X qy  Table 6.9 The Solubility Product Constants, with molar solubility S in equilibrium with Ksp of Some Common Ionic Salts at its saturated solution may be represented by 298K. the equation: MxXy(s) xMp+(aq) + yXq– (aq) (where x × p+ = y × q–) And its solubility product constant is given by: Ksp = [Mp+]x[Xq– ]y = (xS)x(yS)y (6.44) = xx . yy . S(x + y) S(x + y) = Ksp / xx . yy S = (Ksp / xx . yy)1 / x + y (6.45) The term Ksp in equation is given by Qsp (section 6.6.2) when the concentration of one or more species is not the concentration under equilibrium. Obviously under equilibrium conditions Ksp = Qsp but otherwise it gives the direction of the processes of precipitation or dissolution. The solubility product constants of a number of common salts at 298K are given in Table 6.9. Problem 6.26 Calculate the solubility of A2X3 in pure water, assuming that neither kind of ion reacts with water. The solubility product of A2X3, Ksp = 1.1 × 10–23. Solution A2X3 → 2A3+ + 3X2– Ksp = [A3+]2 [X2–]3 = 1.1 × 10–23 If S = solubility of A2X3, then [A3+] = 2S; [X2–] = 3S therefore, Ksp = (2S)2(3S)3 = 108S5 = 1.1 × 10–23 thus, S5 = 1 × 10–25 S = 1.0 × 10–5 mol/L. Problem 6.27 The values of Ksp of two sparingly soluble salts Ni(OH)2 and AgCN are 2.0 × 10–15 and 6 × 0–17 respectively. Which salt is more soluble? Explain. Solution AgCN Ag+ + CN– Reprint 2025-26 206 chemistry Ksp = [Ag+][CN–] = 6 × 10–17 Dissolution of S mol/L of Ni(OH)2 provides S mol/L of Ni2+ and 2S mol/L of OH–, but Ni(OH)2 Ni2+ + 2OH– the total concentration of OH– = (0.10 + 2S) Ksp = [Ni2+][OH–]2 = 2 × 10–15 mol/L because the solution already contains Let [Ag+] = S1, then [CN-] = S1 0.10 mol/L of OH– from NaOH. Let [Ni2+] = S2, then [OH–] = 2S2 2 Ksp = 2.0 × 10–15 = [Ni2+] [OH–]2 S1 = 6 × 10–17 , S1 = 7.8 × 10–9 = (S) (0.10 + 2S)2 (S2)(2S2)2 = 2 × 10–15, S2 = 0.58 × 10–4 As Ksp is small, 2S << 0.10, Ni(OH)2 is more soluble than AgCN. thus, (0.10 + 2S) ≈ 0.10 6.13.2 Common Ion Effect on Solubility Hence, of Ionic Salts 2.0 × 10–15 = S (0.10)2 It is expected from Le Chatelier’s principle S = 2.0 × 10–13 M = [Ni2+] that if we increase the concentration of any one of the ions, it should combine with the ion of its opposite charge and some of the The solubility of salts of weak acids like salt will be precipitated till once again Ksp = phosphates increases at lower pH. This is Qsp. Similarly, if the concentration of one of because at lower pH the concentration of the the ions is decreased, more salt will dissolve anion decreases due to its protonation. This to increase the concentration of both the ions in turn increase the solubility of the salt so till once again Ksp = Qsp. This is applicable that Ksp = Qsp. We have to satisfy two equilibria even to soluble salts like sodium chloride simultaneously i.e., except that due to higher concentrations of the ions, we use their activities instead Ksp = [M+] [X–], of their molarities in the expression for Qsp. Thus if we take a saturated solution of sodium chloride and pass HCl gas through it, then sodium chloride is precipitated due to increased concentration (activity) of chloride [X–] / [HX] = Ka/[H+]ion available from the dissociation of HCl. Sodium chloride thus obtained is of very Taking inverse of both side and adding 1 high purity and we can get rid of impurities we get Hlike sodium and magnesium sulphates. The  HX   common ion effect is also used for almost 1   1   acomplete precipitation of a particular ion  X  K as its sparingly soluble salt, with very low    HX  H   H  K avalue of solubility product for gravimetric   aestimation. Thus we can precipitate silver ion  X  K as silver chloride, ferric ion as its hydroxide Now, again taking inverse, we get(or hydrated ferric oxide) and barium ion as its sulphate for quantitative estimations. [X–] / {[X–] + [HX]} = f = Ka/(Ka + [H+]) and it can be seen that ‘f’ decreases as pH decreases. Problem 6.28 If S is the solubility of the salt at a given Calculate the molar solubility of Ni(OH)2 in pH then 0.10 M NaOH. The ionic product of Ni(OH)2 is 2.0 × 10–15. Ksp = [S] [f S] = S2 {Ka/(Ka + [H+])} and S = {Ksp ([H+] + Ka)/Ka}1/2 (6.46) Solution Thus solubility S increases with increase Let the solubility of Ni(OH)2 be equal to S. in [H+] or decrease in pH. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 207 SUMMARY When the number of molecules leaving the liquid to vapour equals the number of molecules returning to the liquid from vapour, equilibrium is said to be attained and is dynamic in nature. Equilibrium can be established for both physical and chemical processes and at this stage rate of forward and reverse reactions are equal. Equilibrium constant, Kc is expressed as the concentration of products divided by reactants, each term raised to the stoichiometric coefficient. For reaction, a A + b B c C +d D Kc = [C]c[D]d/[A]a[B]b Equilibrium constant has constant value at a fixed temperature and at this stage all the macroscopic properties such as concentration, pressure, etc. become constant. For a gaseous reaction equilibrium constant is expressed as Kp and is written by replacing concentration terms by partial pressures in Kc expression. The direction of reaction can be predicted by reaction quotient Qc which is equal to Kc at equilibrium. Le Chatelier’s principle states that the change in any factor such as temperature, pressure, concentration, etc. will cause the equilibrium to shift in such a direction so as to reduce or counteract the effect of the change. It can be used to study the effect of various factors such as temperature, concentration, pressure, catalyst and inert gases on the direction of equilibrium and to control the yield of products by controlling these factors. Catalyst does not effect the equilibrium composition of a reaction mixture but increases the rate of chemical reaction by making available a new lower energy pathway for conversion of reactants to products and vice-versa. All substances that conduct electricity in aqueous solutions are called electrolytes. Acids, bases and salts are electrolytes and the conduction of electricity by their aqueous solutions is due to anions and cations produced by the dissociation or ionization of electrolytes in aqueous solution. The strong electrolytes are completely dissociated. In weak electrolytes there is equilibrium between the ions and the unionized electrolyte molecules. According to Arrhenius, acids give hydrogen ions while bases produce hydroxyl ions in their aqueous solutions. Brönsted-Lowry on the other hand, defined an acid as a proton donor and a base as a proton acceptor. When a Brönsted-Lowry acid reacts with a base, it produces its conjugate base and a conjugate acid corresponding to the base with which it reacts. Thus a conjugate pair of acid-base differs only by one proton. Lewis further generalised the definition of an acid as an electron pair acceptor and a base as an electron pair donor. The expressions for ionization (equilibrium) constants of weak acids (Ka) and weak bases (Kb) are developed using Arrhenius definition. The degree of ionization and its dependence on concentration and common ion are discussed. The pH scale (pH = –log[H+]) for the hydrogen ion concentration (activity) has been introduced and extended to other quantities (pOH = – log[OH–]); pKa = –log[Ka]; pKb = –log[Kb]; and pKw = –log[Kw] etc.). The ionization of water has been considered and we note that the equation: pH + pOH = pKw is always satisfied. The salts of strong acid and weak base, weak acid and strong base, and weak acid and weak base undergo hydrolysis in aqueous solution. The definition of buffer solutions, and their importance are discussed briefly. The solubility equilibrium of sparingly soluble salts is discussed and the equilibrium constant is introduced as solubility product constant (Ksp). Its relationship with solubility of the salt is established. The conditions of precipitation of the salt from their solutions or their dissolution in water are worked out. The role of common ion and the solubility of sparingly soluble salts is also discussed. Reprint 2025-26 208 chemistry SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS REGARDING THIS UNIT (a) The student may use pH paper in determining the pH of fresh juices of various vegetables and fruits, soft drinks, body fluids and also that of water samples available. (b) The pH paper may also be used to determine the pH of different salt solutions and from that he/she may determine if these are formed from strong/weak acids and bases. (c) They may prepare some buffer solutions by mixing the solutions of sodium acetate and acetic acid and determine their pH using pH paper. (d) They may be provided with different indicators to observe their colours in solutions of varying pH. (e) They may perform some acid-base titrations using indicators. (f) They may observe common ion effect on the solubility of sparingly soluble salts. (g) If pH meter is available in their school, they may measure the pH with it and compare the results obtained with that of the pH paper. EXERCISES 6.1 A liquid is in equilibrium with its vapour in a sealed container at a fixed temperature. The volume of the container is suddenly increased. a) What is the initial effect of the change on vapour pressure? b) How do rates of evaporation and condensation change initially? c) What happens when equilibrium is restored finally and what will be the final vapour pressure? 6.2 What is Kc for the following equilibrium when the equilibrium concentration of each substance is: [SO2]= 0.60M, [O2] = 0.82M and [SO3] = 1.90M ? 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) 6.3 At a certain temperature and total pressure of 105Pa, iodine vapour contains 40% by volume of I atoms I2 (g) 2I (g) Calculate Kp for the equilibrium. 6.4 Write the expression for the equilibrium constant, Kc for each of the following reactions: (i) 2NOCl (g) 2NO (g) + Cl2 (g) (ii) 2Cu(NO3)2 (s) 2CuO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g) (iii) CH3COOC2H5(aq) + H2O(l) CH3COOH (aq) + C2H5OH (aq) (iv) Fe3+ (aq) + 3OH– (aq) Fe(OH)3 (s) (v) I2 (s) + 5F2 2IF5 6.5 Find out the value of Kc for each of the following equilibria from the value of Kp: (i) 2NOCl (g) 2NO (g) + Cl2 (g); Kp= 1.8 × 10–2 at 500 K (ii) CaCO3 (s) CaO(s) + CO2(g); Kp= 167 at 1073 K Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 209 6.6 For the following equilibrium, Kc= 6.3 × 1014 at 1000 K NO (g) + O3 (g) NO2 (g) + O2 (g) Both the forward and reverse reactions in the equilibrium are elementary bimolecular reactions. What is Kc, for the reverse reaction? 6.7 Explain why pure liquids and solids can be ignored while writing the equilibrium constant expression? 6.8 Reaction between N2 and O2– takes place as follows: 2N2 (g) + O2 (g) 2N2O (g) If a mixture of 0.482 mol N2 and 0.933 mol of O2 is placed in a 10 L reaction vessel and allowed to form N2O at a temperature for which Kc= 2.0 × 10–37, determine the composition of equilibrium mixture. 6.9 Nitric oxide reacts with Br2 and gives nitrosyl bromide as per reaction given below: 2NO (g) + Br2 (g) 2NOBr (g) When 0.087 mol of NO and 0.0437 mol of Br2 are mixed in a closed container at constant temperature, 0.0518 mol of NOBr is obtained at equilibrium. Calculate equilibrium amount of NO and Br2 . 6.10 At 450K, Kp= 2.0 × 1010/bar for the given reaction at equilibrium. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3 (g) What is Kc at this temperature ? 6.11 A sample of HI(g) is placed in flask at a pressure of 0.2 atm. At equilibrium the partial pressure of HI(g) is 0.04 atm. What is Kp for the given equilibrium ? 2HI (g) H2 (g) + I2 (g) 6.12 A mixture of 1.57 mol of N2, 1.92 mol of H2 and 8.13 mol of NH3 is introduced into a 20 L reaction vessel at 500 K. At this temperature, the equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) is 1.7 × 102. Is the reaction mixture at equilibrium? If not, what is the direction of the net reaction? 6.13 The equilibrium constant expression for a gas reaction is, NH 3 4 O 2 5 Kc  4  NO  H 2 O 6 Write the balanced chemical equation corresponding to this expression. 6.14 One mole of H2O and one mole of CO are taken in 10 L vessel and heated to 725 K. At equilibrium 40% of water (by mass) reacts with CO according to the equation, H2O (g) + CO (g) H2 (g) + CO2 (g) Calculate the equilibrium constant for the reaction. 6.15 At 700 K, equilibrium constant for the reaction: H2 (g) + I2 (g) 2HI (g) is 54.8. If 0.5 mol L–1 of HI(g) is present at equilibrium at 700 K, what are the concentration of H2(g) and I2(g) assuming that we initially started with HI(g) and allowed it to reach equilibrium at 700K? Reprint 2025-26 210 chemistry 6.16 What is the equilibrium concentration of each of the substances in the equilibrium when the initial concentration of ICl was 0.78 M ? 2ICl (g) I2 (g) + Cl2 (g); Kc = 0.14 6.17 Kp = 0.04 atm at 899 K for the equilibrium shown below. What is the equilibrium concentration of C2H6 when it is placed in a flask at 4.0 atm pressure and allowed to come to equilibrium? C2H6 (g) C2H4 (g) + H2 (g) 6.18 Ethyl acetate is formed by the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid and the equilibrium is represented as: CH3COOH (l) + C2H5OH (l) CH3COOC2H5 (l) + H2O (l) (i) Write the concentration ratio (reaction quotient), Qc, for this reaction (note: water is not in excess and is not a solvent in this reaction) (ii) At 293 K, if one starts with 1.00 mol of acetic acid and 0.18 mol of ethanol, there is 0.171 mol of ethyl acetate in the final equilibrium mixture. Calculate the equilibrium constant. (iii) Starting with 0.5 mol of ethanol and 1.0 mol of acetic acid and maintaining it at 293 K, 0.214 mol of ethyl acetate is found after sometime. Has equilibrium been reached? 6.19 A sample of pure PCl5 was introduced into an evacuated vessel at 473 K. After equilibrium was attained, concentration of PCl5 was found to be 0.5 × 10–1 mol L–1. If value of Kc is 8.3 × 10–3, what are the concentrations of PCl3 and Cl2 at equilibrium? PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2(g) 6.20 One of the reaction that takes place in producing steel from iron ore is the reduction of iron(II) oxide by carbon monoxide to give iron metal and CO2. FeO (s) + CO (g) Fe (s) + CO2 (g); Kp = 0.265 atm at 1050K What are the equilibrium partial pressures of CO and CO2 at 1050 K if the initial partial pressures are: pCO= 1.4 atm and = 0.80 atm? 6.21 Equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) 2NH3 (g) at 500 K is 0.061 At a particular time, the analysis shows that composition of the reaction mixture is 3.0 mol L–1 N2, 2.0 mol L–1 H2 and 0.5 mol L–1 NH3. Is the reaction at equilibrium? If not in which direction does the reaction tend to proceed to reach equilibrium? 6.22 Bromine monochloride, BrCl decomposes into bromine and chlorine and reaches the equilibrium: 2BrCl (g) Br2 (g) + Cl2 (g) for which Kc= 32 at 500 K. If initially pure BrCl is present at a concentration of 3.3 × 10–3 mol L–1, what is its molar concentration in the mixture at equilibrium? 6.23 At 1127 K and 1 atm pressure, a gaseous mixture of CO and CO2 in equilibrium with soild carbon has 90.55% CO by mass C (s) + CO2 (g) 2CO (g) Calculate Kc for this reaction at the above temperature. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 211 6.24 Calculate a) ∆G and b) the equilibrium constant for the formation of NO2 from NO and O2 at 298K NO (g) + ½ O2 (g) NO2 (g) where ∆fG (NO2) = 52.0 kJ/mol ∆fG (NO) = 87.0 kJ/mol ∆fG (O2) = 0 kJ/mol 6.25 Does the number of moles of reaction products increase, decrease or remain same when each of the following equilibria is subjected to a decrease in pressure by increasing the volume? (a) PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) (b) CaO (s) + CO2 (g) CaCO3 (s) (c) 3Fe (s) + 4H2O (g) Fe3O4 (s) + 4H2 (g) 6.26 Which of the following reactions will get affected by increasing the pressure? Also, mention whether change will cause the reaction to go into forward or backward direction. (i) COCl2 (g) CO (g) + Cl2 (g) (ii) CH4 (g) + 2S2 (g) CS2 (g) + 2H2S (g) (iii) CO2 (g) + C (s) 2CO (g) (iv) 2H2 (g) + CO (g) CH3OH (g) (v) CaCO3 (s) CaO (s) + CO2 (g) (vi) 4 NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) 4NO (g) + 6H2O(g) 6.27 The equilibrium constant for the following reaction is 1.6 ×105 at 1024K H2(g) + Br2(g) 2HBr(g) Find the equilibrium pressure of all gases if 10.0 bar of HBr is introduced into a sealed container at 1024K. 6.28 Dihydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas by partial oxidation with steam as per following endothermic reaction: CH4 (g) + H2O (g) CO (g) + 3H2 (g) (a) Write as expression for Kp for the above reaction. (b) How will the values of Kp and composition of equilibrium mixture be affected by (i) increasing the pressure (ii) increasing the temperature (iii) using a catalyst? 6.29 Describe the effect of: a) addition of H2 b) addition of CH3OH c) removal of CO d) removal of CH3OH on the equilibrium of the reaction: 2H2(g) + CO (g) CH3OH (g) 6.30 At 473 K, equilibrium constant Kc for decomposition of phosphorus pentachloride, PCl5 is 8.3 ×10-3. If decomposition is depicted as, Reprint 2025-26 212 chemistry PCl5 (g) PCl3 (g) + Cl2 (g) ∆rH = 124.0 kJ mol–1 a) write an expression for Kc for the reaction. b) what is the value of Kc for the reverse reaction at the same temperature? c) what would be the effect on Kc if (i) more PCl5 is added (ii) pressure is increased (iii) the temperature is increased ? 6.31 Dihydrogen gas used in Haber’s process is produced by reacting methane from natural gas with high temperature steam. The first stage of two stage reaction involves the formation of CO and H2. In second stage, CO formed in first stage is reacted with more steam in water gas shift reaction, CO (g) + H2O (g) CO2 (g) + H2 (g) If a reaction vessel at 400°C is charged with an equimolar mixture of CO and steam such that pco = pH2O = 4.0 bar, what will be the partial pressure of H2 at equilibrium? Kp= 10.1 at 400°C 6.32 Predict which of the following reaction will have appreciable concentration of reactants and products: a) Cl2 (g) 2Cl (g) Kc = 5 ×10–39 b) Cl2 (g) + 2NO (g) 2NOCl (g) Kc = 3.7 × 108 c) Cl2 (g) + 2NO2 (g) 2NO2Cl (g) Kc = 1.8 6.33 The value of Kc for the reaction 3O2 (g) 2O3 (g) is 2.0 ×10–50 at 25°C. If the equilibrium concentration of O2 in air at 25°C is 1.6 ×10–2, what is the concentration of O3? 6.34 The reaction, CO(g) + 3H2(g) CH4(g) + H2O(g) is at equilibrium at 1300 K in a 1L flask. It also contain 0.30 mol of CO, 0.10 mol of H2 and 0.02 mol of H2O and an unknown amount of CH4 in the flask. Determine the concentration of CH4 in the mixture. The equilibrium constant, Kc for the reaction at the given temperature is 3.90. 6.35 What is meant by the conjugate acid-base pair? Find the conjugate acid/base for the following species: HNO2, CN–, HClO4, F –, OH–, CO , and S2– 6.36 Which of the followings are Lewis acids? H2O, BF3, H+, and NH4+ 6.37 What will be the conjugate bases for the Brönsted acids: HF, H2SO4 and HCO–3? 6.38 Write the conjugate acids for the following Brönsted bases: NH2–, NH3 and HCOO–. 6.39 The species: H2O, HCO3–, HSO4– and NH3 can act both as Brönsted acids and bases. For each case give the corresponding conjugate acid and base. 6.40 Classify the following species into Lewis acids and Lewis bases and show how these act as Lewis acid/base: (a) OH– (b) F– (c) H+ (d) BCl3 . 6.41 The concentration of hydrogen ion in a sample of soft drink is 3.8 × 10–3 M. What is its pH? 6.42 The pH of a sample of vinegar is 3.76. Calculate the concentration of hydrogen ion in it. 6.43 The ionization constant of HF, HCOOH and HCN at 298K are 6.8 × 10–4, 1.8 × 10–4 and 4.8 × 10–9 respectively. Calculate the ionization constants of the corresponding conjugate base. Reprint 2025-26 EQUILIBRIUM 213 6.44 The ionization constant of phenol is 1.0 × 10–10. What is the concentration of phenolate ion in 0.05 M solution of phenol? What will be its degree of ionization if the solution is also 0.01M in sodium phenolate? 6.45 The first ionization constant of H2S is 9.1 × 10–8. Calculate the concentration of HS– ion in its 0.1M solution. How will this concentration be affected if the solution is 0.1M in HCl also? If the second dissociation constant of H2S is 1.2 × 10–13, calculate the concentration of S2– under both conditions. 6.46 The ionization constant of acetic acid is 1.74 × 10–5. Calculate the degree of dissociation of acetic acid in its 0.05 M solution. Calculate the concentration of acetate ion in the solution and its pH. 6.47 It has been found that the pH of a 0.01M solution of an organic acid is 4.15. Calculate the concentration of the anion, the ionization constant of the acid and its pKa. 6.48 Assuming complete dissociation, calculate the pH of the following solutions: (a) 0.003 M HCl (b) 0.005 M NaOH (c) 0.002 M HBr (d) 0.002 M KOH 6.49 Calculate the pH of the following solutions: a) 2 g of TlOH dissolved in water to give 2 litre of solution. b) 0.3 g of Ca(OH)2 dissolved in water to give 500 mL of solution. c) 0.3 g of NaOH dissolved in water to give 200 mL of solution. d) 1mL of 13.6 M HCl is diluted with water to give 1 litre of solution. 6.50 The degree of ionization of a 0.1M bromoacetic acid solution is 0.132. Calculate the pH of the solution and the pKa of bromoacetic acid. 6.51 The pH of 0.005M codeine (C18H21NO3) solution is 9.95. Calculate its ionization constant and pKb. 6.52 What is the pH of 0.001M aniline solution? The ionization constant of aniline can be taken from Table 6.7. Calculate the degree of ionization of aniline in the solution. Also calculate the ionization constant of the conjugate acid of aniline. 6.53 Calculate the degree of ionization of 0.05M acetic acid if its pKa value is 4.74. How is the degree of dissociation affected when its solution also contains (a) 0.01M (b) 0.1M in HCl ? 6.54 The ionization constant of dimethylamine is 5.4 × 10–4. Calculate its degree of ionization in its 0.02M solution. What percentage of dimethylamine is ionized if the solution is also 0.1M in NaOH? 6.55 Calculate the hydrogen ion concentration in the following biological fluids whose pH are given below: (a) Human muscle-fluid, 6.83 (b) Human stomach fluid, 1.2 (c) Human blood, 7.38 (d) Human saliva, 6.4. 6.56 The pH of milk, black coffee, tomato juice, lemon juice and egg white are 6.8, 5.0, 4.2, 2.2 and 7.8 respectively. Calculate corresponding hydrogen ion concentration in each. 6.57 If 0.561 g of KOH is dissolved in water to give 200 mL of solution at 298 K. Calculate the concentrations of potassium, hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. What is its pH? 6.58 The solubility of Sr(OH)2 at 298 K is 19.23 g/L of solution. Calculate the concentrations of strontium and hydroxyl ions and the pH of the solution. Reprint 2025-26 214 chemistry 6.59 The ionization constant of propanoic acid is 1.32 × 10–5. Calculate the degree of ionization of the acid in its 0.05M solution and also its pH. What will be its degree of ionization if the solution is 0.01M in HCl also? 6.60 The pH of 0.1M solution of cyanic acid (HCNO) is 2.34. Calculate the ionization constant of the acid and its degree of ionization in the solution. 6.61 The ionization constant of nitrous acid is 4.5 × 10–4. Calculate the pH of 0.04 M sodium nitrite solution and also its degree of hydrolysis. 6.62 A 0.02M solution of pyridinium hydrochloride has pH = 3.44. Calculate the ionization constant of pyridine. 6.63 Predict if the solutions of the following salts are neutral, acidic or basic: NaCl, KBr, NaCN, NH4NO3, NaNO2 and KF 6.64 The ionization constant of chloroacetic acid is 1.35 × 10–3. What will be the pH of 0.1M acid and its 0.1M sodium salt solution? 6.65 Ionic product of water at 310 K is 2.7 × 10–14. What is the pH of neutral water at this temperature? 6.66 Calculate the pH of the resultant mixtures: a) 10 mL of 0.2M Ca(OH)2 + 25 mL of 0.1M HCl b) 10 mL of 0.01M H2SO4 + 10 mL of 0.01M Ca(OH)2 c) 10 mL of 0.1M H2SO4 + 10 mL of 0.1M KOH 6.67 Determine the solubilities of silver chromate, barium chromate, ferric hydroxide, lead chloride and mercurous iodide at 298K from their solubility product constants given in Table 6.9. Determine also the molarities of individual ions. 6.68 The solubility product constant of Ag2CrO4 and AgBr are 1.1 × 10–12 and 5.0 × 10–13 respectively. Calculate the ratio of the molarities of their saturated solutions. 6.69 Equal volumes of 0.002 M solutions of sodium iodate and cupric chlorate are mixed together. Will it lead to precipitation of copper iodate? (For cupric iodate Ksp = 7.4 × 10–8 ). 6.70 The ionization constant of benzoic acid is 6.46 × 10–5 and Ksp for silver benzoate is 2.5 × 10–13. How many times is silver benzoate more soluble in a buffer of pH 3.19 compared to its solubility in pure water? 6.71 What is the maximum concentration of equimolar solutions of ferrous sulphate and sodium sulphide so that when mixed in equal volumes, there is no precipitation of iron sulphide? (For iron sulphide, Ksp = 6.3 × 10–18). 6.72 What is the minimum volume of water required to dissolve 1g of calcium sulphate at 298 K? (For calcium sulphate, Ksp is 9.1 × 10–6). 6.73 The concentration of sulphide ion in 0.1M HCl solution saturated with hydrogen sulphide is 1.0 × 10–19 M. If 10 mL of this is added to 5 mL of 0.04 M solution of the following: FeSO4, MnCl2, ZnCl2 and CdCl2. in which of these solutions precipitation will take place? Reprint 2025-26

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.