A series of experiments was carried out to find the order of reaction with respect to reactant X - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 13 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 13
A series of experiments was carried out to find the order of reaction with respect to reactant X. In these experiments, only the concentration of X was changed.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:A series of experiments was carried out to find the order of reaction with respect to reactant X - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 13 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
Identify the Characteristics of Second-Order Reactions
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Answer
In second-order reactions, the rate of reaction is proportional to the square of the concentration of the reactant. Therefore, as the concentration of reactant X increases, the rate of reaction increases quadratically. This means that a graph of rate of reaction versus concentration of X will exhibit a parabolic shape.
Step 2
Evaluate the Graph Options
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Answer
When analyzing graphs A, B, C, and D:
Graph A shows a linear increase, indicating a first-order reaction.
Graph B exhibits a decrease, which is not indicative of the reaction order we are assessing.
Graph C shows an upward curve but does not clearly indicate a second-order trend.
Graph D displays a distinctly parabolic shape, suggesting that the rate of reaction increases quadratically with increasing concentration of X.
Step 3
Select the Correct Graph
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Answer
Based on the evaluations, Graph D is the correct option as it reflects the characteristics of a second-order reaction with respect to reactant X.