Qualitative Kinetics - Prelab Questions

Prelab Questions



Using the principles of collision theory, predict how changing each of the following would influence the rate of a chemical reaction. The first one has been done for you.

1. a) changing the nature of the reactants

    Changing the nature of the reactants might increase or decrease the rate of reaction. The change would result from a change in activation energy and/or a change in the requirements that the reactants have a particular orientation when they collide.
b) increasing the concentration of one or more of the reactants
c) raising the temperature at which a reaction is performed
d) increasing the surface area of a solid reactant
e) adding an appropriate catalyst


2. Which of these two experiments is occurring with the fastest rate?



3. Crystal Violet is purple. Describe what you would observe if crystal violet were being consumed during the course of a reaction.

4. A particular reaction forms carbon dioxide gas. In the first experiment performed, only a few bubbles are formed. In a second experiment, a large number of bubbles are formed. Which reaction was occurring at a faster rate?

5. All other things being equal, predict which of the following reactions would occur at a faster rate. Explain your answer.




This completes the prelab. You may begin the experiment.


introduction background prelab experiment postlab