Topic 11
Kinetics
Topic 11 turns rate into an equation. It covers the rate equation, orders and the rate constant, the techniques and methods used to collect rate data, deducing orders from concentration–time and rate–concentration graphs and from initial-rate data, the iodine–propanone reaction, the rate-determining step and reaction mechanisms including the evidence for Sₙ1 and Sₙ2, activation energy from the Arrhenius equation, and solid catalysts. It is examined in Unit 4 and assessed practically through Core Practicals 9a, 9b and 10.
Revision Notes
8 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
Rate Equations, Orders and the Rate Constant
Rate equations: orders of reaction, the rate constant k, overall order and working out the units of k.
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Techniques for Measuring Rates
Measuring rates: titration, colorimetry, mass and gas-volume methods, continuous monitoring and the initial-rates method with clock reactions.
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Concentration–Time Graphs and Half-Life
Concentration–time graphs: deducing order from the shape, tangents and rates, half-life and first-order reactions.
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Rate–Concentration Graphs and the Initial-Rates Method
The initial-rates method: rate–concentration graphs, deducing orders from tables of data, writing the rate equation and calculating k.
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The Iodine–Propanone Reaction
The iodine–propanone reaction: collecting rate data, the orders with respect to iodine, propanone and H⁺, and deducing the mechanism.
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Rate-Determining Step and Reaction Mechanisms
The rate-determining step: rate equations from mechanisms, mechanisms from rate equations, intermediates, and Sₙ1/Sₙ2 evidence from halogenoalkanes hydrolysis.
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Activation Energy and the Arrhenius Equation
The Arrhenius equation: temperature and the rate constant, ln k against 1/T graphs and finding the activation energy from the gradient.
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Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysis
Catalysis: heterogeneous catalysts at surfaces (adsorption, desorption, the Haber process, catalytic converters) and homogeneous catalysts that are regenerated.
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Rates and Rate Equations Map
Edexcel International A Level Chemistry · Unit 4 · Topic 11A Rates and Rate Equations
The whole section on one A4 page: measuring a rate, rate equations, units of k, initial rates, graph shapes and half-life, with worked examples.
Rate Equations and Mechanisms Map
Edexcel International A Level Chemistry · Unit 4 · Topic 11B Rate Equations and Mechanisms
The whole section on one A4 page: the slow step, mechanisms from rate equations and back, the iodine–propanone reaction, the titration method, and SN1 and SN2.
Activation Energy and Catalysis Map
Edexcel International A Level Chemistry · Unit 4 · Topic 11C Activation Energy and Catalysis
The whole section on one A4 page: activation energy and temperature, the Arrhenius equation and plot, the activation-energy practical, and homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
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Specification
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11.1
11.2
11.3
- i
be able to select and justify a suitable experimental technique to obtain rate data for a given reaction, including: titration
Revise - ii
be able to select and justify a suitable experimental technique to obtain rate data for a given reaction, including: colorimetry
Revise - iii
be able to select and justify a suitable experimental technique to obtain rate data for a given reaction, including: mass change
Revise - iv
be able to select and justify a suitable experimental technique to obtain rate data for a given reaction, including: volume of gas evolved
Revise - v
be able to select and justify a suitable experimental technique to obtain rate data for a given reaction, including: other suitable technique(s) for a given reaction
Revise
11.4
- i
understand experiments that can be used to investigate reaction rates by: an initial-rate method, carrying out separate experiments where different initial concentrations of one reagent are used A ‘clock reaction’ is an acceptable approximation of this method.
Revise - ii
understand experiments that can be used to investigate reaction rates by: a continuous monitoring method to generate data to enable concentration-time or volume-time graphs to be plotted
Revise
11.5
- i
be able to deduce the order (0, 1 or 2) with respect to a substance in a rate equation, using data from: a concentration-time graph
Revise - ii
be able to deduce the order (0, 1 or 2) with respect to a substance in a rate equation, using data from: a rate-concentration graph
Revise - iii
be able to deduce the order (0, 1 or 2) with respect to a substance in a rate equation, using data from: an initial-rate method
Revise
11.6
11.7
11.8
11.9
11.10
11.11
- 11.11
understand the use of a solid (heterogeneous) catalyst for industrial reactions, in the gas phase, in terms of providing a surface for the reaction
Revise
11.12
- a
CORE PRACTICAL 9a Following the rate of the iodine-propanone reaction by a titrimetric method
Revise
11.13
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