Thermodynamics and Reaction Rates

Flashcards for reviewing lecture notes on Thermodynamics and Reaction Rates

Endothermic Process

A process where products have a higher potential energy (Ep) than reactants; energy is absorbed.

Exothermic Process

A process where products have a lower potential energy (Ep) than reactants; energy is released.

Combustion Reaction

A reaction that combines a fuel (such as CH4) with O2 to produce H2O and CO2, releasing energy.

Limiting Reactant

Reactant species that is not in excess and determines the amount of product formed.

Collision Theory

For a chemical reaction to occur, particles of the different reactants must collide.

Factors Affecting Reaction Rate

Temperature, Pressure, Volume, and Number of Particles, Configuration Effectiveness, Activation Energy

Configuration Effectiveness

Colliding particles must be orientated in a manner that allows reacting groups to interact effectively.

Activation Energy (Ea)

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur; the energy required to attain the transition state.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up a reaction by lowering the activation energy without being consumed in the reaction.

Chemical Equilibrium

The state where the rate of the forward and reverse reactions are equal; the final state of the system.

Product-Favored Reaction

A reaction where the concentration of products is greater than the concentration of reactants at equilibrium ([P] > [R]).

Reactant-Favored Reaction

A reaction where the concentration of reactants is greater than the concentration of products at equilibrium ([P] < [R]).

Strong Acid

An acid that fully dissociates in water to generate H3O+ (hydronium).

Weak Acid

An acid that partially dissociates in water to generate H3O+ (hydronium).

Theoretical Yield

The maximum amount of product that can be produced in a chemical reaction based on the limiting reactant.

Percent Yield

The ratio of the actual yield to the theoretical yield, expressed as a percentage: (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) x 100

Limiting Reactant

The reactant that determines the maximum amount of product formed because it is completely consumed in the reaction.