1) The following equation represents a gaseous reaction that takes place in a sealed container.
Solution
ii. Compare the rate of the forward reaction at the original equilibrium with the rate of the forward reaction at the new equilibrium after the increase in temperature. Explain the difference using collision theory.
3 marks
Solution
2) In 1859, the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell developed a kinetic theory of gases. He determined the distribution of the velocities of gas molecules, which were later, in 1871, generalised to a distribution of the energies of gas molecules by the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann. The reaction between ethene and hydrogen gas is very slow at SLC. When the same reaction is performed at SLC in the presence of a platinum catalyst, the reaction occurs more quickly. Use the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve to explain the difference between the rate of reaction of ethene and hydrogen gas with and without the platinum catalyst. In your answer: • explain the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curve • refer to activation energy. A graph may assist your answer but is not essential. 4 marks
