Worksheet 5.

1
Rate expression problems

NAME: CLASS:

INTRODUCTION
Given a set of data, the order of reaction can be determined for each reactant. These values can be
inserted into a previously derived rate expression and the reaction rate calculated. Care must be
taken to ensure that all values are expressed in the correct units.

No. Question Answer

Gaseous hydrogen and iodine combine to form hydrogen iodide:
H2(g) + I2(g) 2HI(g)
The reaction rate can be increased using a platinumasbestos catalyst. The results shown in
the table below were obtained for a set of reactions performed at 356C in a sealed 10 dm3
vessel.

Experiment Initial [H2] Initial [I2] Initial rate

number (mol dm3) (mol dm3) (mol dm3 s1)
1 0.200 0.200 1.012 104
2 0.400 0.400 4.048 104
3 0.300 0.400 3.036 104
4 0.200 0.400 2.024 104

Use the data in this table to answer questions 1 to 5.

1 Calculate the order of reaction with First order
respect to H2, showing your working.

2 Calculate the order of reaction with First order

respect to I2, showing your working.

3 Using your answers to questions 1 and Rate = k [H2] [I2]

2, state the rate expression.

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 Worksheet 5.1
Rate expression problems

4 Determine the overall order of 2

reaction.

5 Calculate the value of the rate 1.012 104 = k (0.2)(0.2)

constant, k, with units. k = 2.53 x 10-3 s-1 (mol dm-3)-1
= 2.53 x 10-3 s-1 mol-1 dm3

Reactive iodine atoms combine to form molecular iodine at low temperature:

2I(g) I2(g)
In one experiment, the initial concentration of iodine atoms was 0.500 mol dm3. The
concentration of molecular iodine was monitored, yielding the results in the table below. The
changing concentration of iodine atoms was calculated, using the concentration of molecular
iodine, the initial concentration of iodine atoms and the stoichiometric ratios in the balanced
equation.

Time [I2] [I]

(s) (mol dm3) (mol dm3)
0 0 0.500
2 0.050 0.400
3 0.070 0.360
5 0.095 0.310
10 0.130 0.240
15 0.155 0.190
20 0.170 0.160

Use the data in this table to answer questions 6 to 10.

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Copyright Pearson Australia 2009 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 9780733993817
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme HL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.
 Worksheet 5.1
Rate expression problems

6 On graph paper, draw a graph of [I]

against time, using the data in the table [I] against time
above. 0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 5 10 15 20 25

7 Use the graph that you drew in -0.05 mol dm-3 s-1
question 6 to calculate the initial rate
of this reaction.

8 Use the graph that you drew in 0.0092 mol dm3 s-1
question 6 to calculate the rate of the
reaction when [I] = 0.250 mol dm3
(half of the initial concentration).

9 Use the ratio of the initial rate to the

rate when [I] = 0.250 mol dm3 to
calculate the order of the reaction with
respect to [I].

10 Using your answer to question 9, Rate = k [I]

determine the rate expression for this
reaction.

11 Using one of the rates of reaction 0.05

calculated above and the Rate = k [I]
corresponding [I], calculate the value 0.4 = k (0.05)

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Copyright Pearson Australia 2009 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 9780733993817
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme HL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.
 Worksheet 5.1
Rate expression problems

of the rate constant, k.

12 Discuss any limitations to the accuracy

of the value that you have calculated.

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Copyright Pearson Australia 2009 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 9780733993817
This page from the Chemistry: For use with the IB Diploma Programme HL Teachers Resource may be reproduced for classroom use.