Question 1: Define activation energy in the context of a chemical reaction.

Answer: Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for reactants to undergo a chemical reaction.

Question 2: Explain why a higher activation energy results in a slower reaction rate.

Answer: A higher activation energy means fewer molecules have enough energy to react at a given temperature, leading to a slower reaction.

Question 3: Describe the role of a catalyst in relation to activation energy.

Answer: A catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier, allowing the reaction to proceed faster without being consumed.

Question 1: A reaction has a rate constant of 0.02 s⁻¹ at 300°C and 0.08 s⁻¹ at 350°C. Assuming the Arrhenius equation applies, calculate the activation energy (Ea) in kJ/mol. Use the formula: ln(k2/k1) = (Ea/R) * (1/T1 - 1/T2), where R = 8.314 J/(mol·K).

Answer: Approximately 107.4 kJ/mol

Question 1: Describe a safe laboratory method to investigate the effect of temperature on activation energy in a reaction.

Answer: Use a controlled heating setup to perform the reaction at different temperatures, measure reaction rates, and ensure proper safety equipment like gloves and goggles are used. Record data systematically for analysis.

Question 2: List two factors that can reduce the activation energy of a reaction in an industrial setting.

Answer: Adding a catalyst and increasing temperature.

Question 1: A factory uses a catalyst to lower the activation energy of a chemical process, increasing efficiency. If the activation energy without the catalyst is 150 kJ/mol and with the catalyst is 75 kJ/mol, explain how this impacts the reaction rate and energy consumption.

Answer: Lowering the activation energy with a catalyst increases the reaction rate by allowing more molecules to have enough energy to react. This reduces the time required for the process and decreases energy consumption, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Question 1: Explain how the use of catalysts in car engines helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Answer: Catalysts lower the activation energy of the reactions involved in converting fuel, allowing reactions to proceed faster at lower temperatures, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces harmful emissions.

Question 2: Describe a renewable energy technology that involves activation energy concepts.

Answer: Photovoltaic cells (solar panels) in solar energy convert sunlight into electricity by providing energy to excite electrons, effectively overcoming activation barriers in the photoelectric process.