Chemistry
Chemistry
Problem
For the reaction A(g) ⇌ 2 B(g) at , a researcher records the instantaneous rates of the forward and reverse reactions every 50 s. A portion of the data is shown in the table. Time (s) | Forward rate () | Reverse rate () 0 | 0.120 | 0.000 50 | 0.095 | 0.025 100 | 0.075 | 0.045 150 | 0.060 | 0.060 200 | 0.050 | 0.070 250 | 0.045 | 0.080 Use the data to answer the following. (a) Determine the time at which the system is at equilibrium for the first time. Explain how you arrived at your answer using the numerical values provided. (b) Calculate the net rate of formation of B(g) at t = 100 s. Include the appropriate sign in your answer and interpret its meaning with respect to the direction of net change. (c) Between 150 s and 250 s, identify the interval during which products are being converted to reactants overall. Justify your choice quantitatively. (d) If the researcher were to extend data collection to 500 s, predict the values (within ) you would expect for both the forward and reverse rates at that time, and provide reasoning based on the experimental trend.Intuitive explanation
This problem tracks how a reversible reaction evolves toward equilibrium by monitoring both forward and reverse rates over time. The key insight is that equilibrium is reached when the two rates become equal—at that moment, the net reaction stops and concentrations stabilize. By identifying where the rates match in your data, you can pinpoint the equilibrium state and then use the rate expressions to extract information about the reaction's kinetics and thermodynamics.
Intuitive explanation
This problem tracks how a reversible reaction evolves toward equilibrium by monitoring both forward and reverse rates over time. The key insight is that equilibrium is reached when the two rates become equal—at that moment, the net reaction stops and concentrations stabilize. By identifying where the rates match in your data, you can pinpoint the equilibrium state and then use the rate expressions to extract information about the reaction's kinetics and thermodynamics.