Reaction Speed Revision

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers concepts from reaction kinetics, collision theory, stoichiometric balancing, and industrial chemical processes like the Ostwald process.

Copper(II) oxide and carbon monoxide reaction

The unbalanced formula equation representing the reaction between copper(II) oxide and carbon monoxide into copper and carbon dioxide: $CuO + CO \rightarrow Cu + CO_2$

Balanced propane combustion equation

The stoichiometric balanced equation for propane reacting with oxygen: $C_3H_8 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O$

Activation Energy

The amount of energy required to break bonds in the reactants to initiate a chemical reaction.

Silver acetylide

A highly heat and shock sensitive powder with the formula $Ag_2C_2$ that produces no gas products upon explosion.

Silver acetylide explosion reaction

The chemical decomposition of silver acetylide: $Ag_2C_2 (s) \rightarrow 2Ag (s) + 2C (s)$ with an enthalpy change of $\Delta H = -294\,kJ$.

Collision Theory (Temperature effect)

Increasing reaction temperature increases both the frequency of collisions and the energy of collisions, leading to a higher chance of a single collision being successful.

Collision Theory (Concentration effect)

Increasing the concentration of reactants increases the frequency of collisions, resulting in more possible successful collisions per unit of time.

Rate of Reaction

A measurement calculated by dividing the change in a quantity (such as product volume) by the time interval; calculated in the notes as $\frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}}$, for example $0.70\,mL/s$.

Electronic balance method

A suitable method in a high school laboratory to accurately measure the rate of reaction by recording mass loss over time.

Balanced Aluminum and Sulfuric Acid reaction

The equation representing the reaction of aluminium with sulfuric acid: $2Al + 3H_2SO_4 \rightarrow Al_2(SO_4)_3 + 3H_2$

Surface Area (solid reactants)

The number of solid reactant particles exposed to other reactants; increasing this (e.g., using powdered metal) increases the chance of collisions occurring.

Ostwald process

A method of synthesis of nitric acid ($HNO_3$) from ammonia ($NH_3$) involving a three-step reaction of nitrogen compounds.

Ostwald process catalyst

Many layers of a thin gauze (mesh) woven from a material made of platinum and rhodium.

Ostwald process conditions

The production of nitric oxide is maximized using high reactor temperatures ($820-930^{\circ}\text{C}$) and high pressures of about $11\,\text{atmospheres}$.

Catalyst mesh vs. pellets

A mesh is preferred over pellets to increase the surface area of the catalyst, allowing for more collisions and more successful collisions between gaseous reactants.