3.2.

2 Reaction Rates

Reaction Rates
1(a). Zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq), as shown in the following equation.

Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

A student investigates the rate of this reaction.

The student uses the apparatus in the diagram.

The student’s method is outlined below:

• Pour 50.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm–3 HCl into the conical flask.
• Add 0.200 g of zinc (an excess), and quickly attach the delivery tube and gas syringe.
• Measure the volume of gas collected every 20 seconds until the reaction stops.

The student obtains the results shown in Table 4.1.

Time / s 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 160 200

Volume of gas / cm3 0 16 27 37 39 50 53 58 58

Table 4.1

[1]
(i) On the graph paper in Fig. 4.1, label the x axis and plot the results in Table 4.1.

[1]
(ii) Circle any anomalous results present in the graph you have drawn in Fig. 4.1.

(iii) Draw a best-fit smooth curve on the graph you have drawn in Fig. 4.1. [1]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(b). The student repeats the experiment using:

• zinc with the same mass (0.200 g) and same surface area
• the same temperature and pressure
• 40.0 cm3 of 0.125 mol dm–3 HCl, instead of 50.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm–3 HCl.

On your graph in Fig. 4.1 sketch the curve you would expect in this experiment. [2]

(c). The graph shows that rate of reaction decreases over time.

Explain why, in terms of collision theory.

[2]

(d). i. The rate of the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid can be increased using a
solution of copper(II) sulfate as a catalyst.

Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of reaction.

[2]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

ii. Why is it difficult to classify the solution of copper(II) sulfate as a homogeneous or

heterogeneous catalyst in this reaction?

[1]

2. Using the Boltzmann distribution model, explain how the rate of a reaction is affected by
temperature.

You are provided with the axes below, which should be labelled.

[4]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

3. Nitrogen can be reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to make ammonia in the
Haber process.
N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ 2NH3(g) ΔH = −92 kJ mol−1

Describe and explain the effect of increasing the pressure on the rate of this reaction.

[2]

4(a). Methanol can be prepared industrially by reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen in the
presence of a copper catalyst. This is a reversible reaction.

CO(g) + 2H2(g) ⇌ CH3OH (g)

Using the Boltzmann distribution model, explain why the rate of a reaction increases in the
presence of a catalyst.

You are provided with the axes below, which should be labelled.

[4]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(b). The reaction for the production of methanol in the presence of the copper catalyst is carried out at
200–300 °C.

Explain why use of the catalyst reduces energy demand and benefits the environment.

[2]

5.
A student was asked to carry out an experiment to determine the initial rate of reaction of
zinc and hydrochloric acid.

The student plans to collect a total of about 72 cm3 of hydrogen at RTP and to use an excess of
zinc.

The student selects the following apparatus:

• the apparatus shown in the diagram

• 100 cm3measuring cylinder
• stop clock
• 2 decimal place balance

Outline how the student could carry out the experiment and explain how the results could be
processed graphically.
Show all working in your calculations.
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

[6]

6(a). Catalysts can be used to change the rate of some chemical reactions.

i. Zinc and sulfuric acid react together to form a solution of zinc sulfate, ZnSO4, and
hydrogen gas. The reaction is exothermic.

The rate of the reaction increases when a catalyst is added.

o Complete the enthalpy profile diagram for this reaction using the formulae of the
reactants and products.
o Label activation energies, Ea (without catalyst) and Ec (with catalyst).
o Label the enthalpy change of reaction, ΔH.

[3]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

ii. Using a Boltzmann distribution, explain how a catalyst increases the rate of a chemical
reaction.

Include a labelled sketch of your Boltzmann distribution on the grid below. Label the axes
and any other important features.

Your answer needs to be clear and well organised using the correct terminology.

[4]

(b) The chemical industry uses catalysts for many of its reactions.

i. State an example of a catalyst used by the chemical industry and write the equation for the
reaction that is catalysed.

catalyst:............................................................................................................
.......................................

equation:..........................................................................................................
........................................

[1]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

ii. State two ways that the use of catalysts helps chemical companies to make their processes more
sustainable and less harmful to the environment.

[2]

7(a). A student investigates the reaction between strontium carbonate and dilute nitric acid.
SrCO3 + 2HNO3 → Sr(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O

The rate of reaction is determined from the loss in mass over a period of time.

i. Explain why there is a loss in mass during the reaction.

[1]

ii. An excess of strontium carbonate, SrCO3, is mixed with 20.0 cm3 of 1.25 mol dm−3 nitric
acid, HNO3.

Calculate the mass of SrCO3 that reacts with the HNO3.

mass = ........................................................... g [3]

3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(b). The student plots a graph of total mass (reagents + container) against time.

i. Describe and explain the change in the rate of the reaction during the first 200 seconds
of the experiment.

[2]

ii. Using the graph, calculate the rate of reaction, in g s−1, at 200 seconds.

Show your working on the graph.

rate of reaction = ......................................................................... g

s−1 [2]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(c). Outline a method that could be used to obtain the results that are plotted on the graph.

Your answer should include the apparatus required and the procedure for the experiment.

[3]

8(a). Methanol, CH3OH, is an important feedstock for the chemical industry.

In the manufacture of methanol, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are reacted together in the
reversible reaction shown below.

CO2(g) + 3H2(g) ⇌ CH3OH(g) + H2O(g) ΔH = −49 kJ mol−1

Describe and explain the effect of increasing the pressure on the reaction rate.

[2]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(b). The manufacture of methanol uses a catalyst.

• Sketch a labelled diagram of the Boltzmann distribution on the grid provided.

• Label your axes.
• Using your Boltzmann distribution, explain how the catalyst increases the rate of
reaction.

[4]

(c). Explain why the use of a catalyst can reduce the demand for energy.

[1]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

9. Reaction rates can be increased or decreased by changing conditions of temperature and

pressure.

i. Explain how increasing the temperature increases the rate of reaction.

Include a labelled sketch of the Boltzmann distribution, on the grid below.

Label the axes.

Your answer needs to be clear and well organised using the correct terminology.

[4]

ii. Describe and explain the effect of decreasing the pressure on the rate of a reaction.

[2]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

10(a). An experiment is carried out to find the rate of this reaction:

2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g)

The results of the experiment are given in the table below:

Time / s 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Concentration of
0 0.024 0.034 0.038 0.039 0.040 0.041 0.041
SO3 / mol dm−3

i. Plot a graph from the data provided.

Include a line of best fit.

[3]

ii. Use the graph to determine the initial rate of this reaction.
Show your working below and on the graph.

initial rate = ..........................................mol dm−3 s−1 [2]

iii. This experiment is repeated in the presence of a catalyst.

Draw and label a line on the graph to show the results of the catalysed experiment over
the same time period.

[1]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

(b). A solid catalyst, vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5, is used in industry to increase the rate of the
production of sulfur trioxide, SO3, in this reaction.
2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) ΔH⦵ = −196 kJ mol−1

i. Explain, with a reason, whether V2O5 is a homogeneous or heterogeneous

catalyst.

[1]

ii. The use of catalysts in industrial processes can be beneficial to the

environment.
State one reason for this.

[1]

iii. Using a fully labelled Boltzmann distribution on the grid below, explain why
adding a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction.

[4]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

11. Carbon monoxide can be made in the laboratory by heating a mixture of zinc metal and calcium
carbonate. An equation for this reaction is shown below.
Zn(s) + CaCO3(s) → ZnO(s) + CaO(s) + CO(g)

A student carried out the reaction of zinc (Zn) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in a fume
cupboard. The student measured the volume of gas produced.

A mixture containing 0.27 g of powdered zinc and 0.38 g of powdered CaCO3 was heated
strongly for two minutes. The volume of gas collected in the 100 cm3 syringe was then
measured. The experiment was then repeated.

The student repeated the experiment in (c) using different quantities of zinc and calcium
carbonate.

The student measured the total volume of gas collected over time.

The student’s results are shown below.

Time / s Total volume of gas collected / cm3
0 0
20 13
40 42
60 56
80 65
100 72
120 72

i. Plot a graph from the data provided.

Include a line of best fit.

[3]
3.2.2 Reaction Rates

ii. Using the graph, determine the rate of reaction, in cm3 s–1, after 50 s.

Show your working on your graph.

rate after 50 s = ............................. cm3 s–1 [2]

END OF QUESTION PAPER