MM Poster Lab3
C.1.4,C.4.5,C6.1,C.6.3,C.7.5;NOS3,6,9,10,11;RS7;WS4-10
Chemical Kinetics
Poster Project Topic 3
Chemistry 1
Name: ___________________________
Class Period:_________________
Introduction:
Chemical kinetics, also known as reaction kinetics, is the study of the rate of chemical processes.
The rate at which a chemical reaction occurs is often very important to us. A common task of chemists is
to find ways to change the rates of chemical reactions - we want our cars and buildings to rust more
slowly and our food to spoil more slowly as well. But we need the reactions that produce economically
important substances, such as ammonia and medical pharmaceuticals to occur quickly.
Chemical kinetics includes investigations of how different experimental conditions can influence
the speed of a chemical reaction and yield information about the reaction's mechanism and transition
states, as well as the construction of mathematical models that can describe the characteristics of a
chemical reaction.
The main factors that influence the reaction rate include: the physical state of the reactants, the
concentrations of the reactants, the temperature and pressure at which the reaction occurs, and
whether or not any catalysts are present in the reaction; each, explained by either, or both, the Collision
Theory and/or Transition State Theory.
Activities:
1. Investigating reaction mechanisms.
1.1. Using the reaction mechanism below, do the following:
1.1.1. Place an “X” over all intermediate species in the elementary reactions.
1.1.2. Circle all reactant species that are not intermediates.
1.1.3. Draw a square around all product species that are not intermediates.
1.1.4. In the destruction of ozone by chlorofluorocarbons, what species are neither consumed
produced nor intermediates?
2. Describing kinetics theories.
2.1. Use the image (right) to correctly describe the
Collision Theory. Be sure to include the terms
orientation, collision and activation energy in your
description.
2.2. Use the image (right) to correctly describe the Transition State
Theory. Be sure to include the terms activation energy, transition
state, activation complex, endothermic and exothermic in your
description.
Going Further:
3. In a previous assignment you researched the scientist, Fritz Haber, who, along with Carl Bosh,
developed an important process for increasing the production of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen
gases. The Haber Process was instrumental in providing ammonia for the production of ammunition
World War I for the German Army. Furthermore, after the war, the Haber Process allowed the U.S. to
become the agricultural superpower it is today through the mass production of ammonia for fertilizers.
Use the internet to research the Haber Process for the production of ammonia to answer the following
questions.
3.1. What are the physical states of the reactants and products in the Haber Process?
3.2. What are the pressure and temperature conditions of the Haber Process?
3.3. What catalyst(s) are used in the Haber Process?
3.4. Explain how Collision Theory accounts for a faster rate of reaction in the Haber Process by
increasing the reaction temperature.
3.5. Given the increased pressure of the Haber Process works to increase the concentration of gaseous
reactants, explain how an increase in concentration would account for a faster rate of reaction
according to the Collision Theory.
3.6. Discuss how the presence of a catalyst increases the rate of the reaction in the Haber Process
according to the Transition State Theory.