Consider the following decomposition reaction that takes place in a sealed 2 dm³ container:
$$2N_2O_5(g) \rightarrow 4NO_2(g) + O_2(g)$$
The graph below shows how the concentrations of $N_2O_5(g)$ and $NO_2(g)$ change with time - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 5
Consider the following decomposition reaction that takes place in a sealed 2 dm³ container:
$$2N_2O_5(g) \rightarrow 4NO_2(g) + O_2(g)$$
The graph below shows how ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the following decomposition reaction that takes place in a sealed 2 dm³ container:
$$2N_2O_5(g) \rightarrow 4NO_2(g) + O_2(g)$$
The graph below shows how the concentrations of $N_2O_5(g)$ and $NO_2(g)$ change with time - NSC Physical Sciences - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Refer to the graph above and give a reason why curve A represents the change in the concentration of NO2(g).
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Answer
Curve A represents the concentration of NO2(g) because it shows an increasing trend over time. As the decomposition of N2O5(g) occurs, NO2(g) is produced, leading to an increase in its concentration. This correlates with the stoichiometry of the reaction, where 4 moles of NO2(g) are formed for every 2 moles of N2O5(g) that decompose.
Step 2
Is this statement TRUE or FALSE? Give a reason for the answer.
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Answer
This statement is TRUE. According to the reaction stoichiometry, the rate of decomposition of N2O5(g) is indeed half the rate of formation of NO2(g). This is expressed mathematically as:
Rate of decomposition of N2O5=21×Rate of formation of NO2
Given that the production of NO2(g) occurs at a rate proportional to its stoichiometric coefficient (4 moles), while N2O5(g) decomposes at a rate corresponding to its stoichiometric coefficient (2 moles), the relationship confirms the statement.