Week 6 inorganic (36 marks)

1. Every year, two million tonnes of ethanol are produced worldwide by hydration of ethene obtained from crude

C2H4(g) + H2O(g) ⇌ C2H5OH(g)

oil.
ΔH = −45 kJ mol−1

This reaction is typically carried out using a catalyst at 300 °C and 6000 kPa.

The catalyst allows the reaction to reach equilibrium more quickly at the given temperature and pressure.

i. State the catalyst used in this reaction.

[1]

ii. Outline how a catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction.

[2]

2. Which statement explains why the rate of a reaction increases when the temperature is increased?

A. The activation energy for the reaction decreases.

B. The activation energy for the reaction increases.
C. The proportion of molecules exceeding the activation energy decreases.
D. The proportion of molecules exceeding the activation energy increases.

Your answer
[1]

3. Using the graph, what is the value of the pre-exponential factor, A, for the decomposition of N2O5?

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 A. 3.45 s−1
B. 31.5 s−1
C. 1.04 × 105 s−1
D. 4.79 × 1013 s−1

Your answer
[1]

4(a). Reaction rates can be increased or decreased by changing the temperature of the reaction. Fig. 17.1 below
shows the energy distribution of the reactant molecules at 25 °C.

Fig. 17.1

Draw a second curve on Fig. 17.1, to represent the distribution of the same number of molecules at a higher
temperature.

Use your curve to explain how increasing the temperature increases the rate of reaction.

[2]

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(b). Iodine monochloride, ICl, can react with hydrogen to form iodine.

2ICl + H2 → 2HCl + I2

This reaction was carried out several times using different concentrations of ICl or H2. The initial rate of each
experiment was calculated and the results are shown below. Initial concentrations are shown for each
experiment.

[ICl] / mol dm−3 [H2] / mol dm−3 Rate / mol dm−3 s−1
Experiment 1 0.250 0.500 2.04 × 10−2
Experiment 2 0.500 0.500 4.08 × 10−2
Experiment 3 0.125 0.250 5.10 × 10−3

i. Calculate the rate constant, k, for this reaction. Include units in your answer.

Show all your working.

k = .......................................... units .......................................... [4]

ii. Calculate the rate of reaction when ICl has a concentration of 3.00 × 10−3 mol dm−3 and H2 has a
concentration of 2.00 × 10−3 mol dm−3.

Show all your working.

rate = .......................................... mol dm−3 s−1 [1]

5. The reaction 2AB → 2A + B2 is first order with respect to AB.

The half-life of the reaction is 2 minutes.

0.100 mol of AB is dissolved in a solvent to form 100 cm3 of a reaction mixture.

What is the concentration of AB, in mol dm−3, after 6 minutes?

A. 0.0125
B. 0.0250
C. 0.125
D. 0.250

Your answer
[1]

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6(a). This question is about reaction rates.

Ozone, O3, reacts with nitrogen dioxide, NO2, as shown below.

A student carries out three experiments to investigate how different concentrations of O 3(g) and NO2(g) affect the
initial rate of this reaction.

The results of the three experiments are shown below

[O3(g)] / mol [NO2(g)] / mol Initial rate, / mol dm−3

Experiment
dm−3 dm−3 s−1
1 1.00 × 10−3 2.50 × 10−3 3.20 × 10−8
2 3.00 × 10−3 2.50 × 10−3 9.60 × 10−8
3 3.00 × 10−3 5.00 × 10−3 1.92 × 10−7

* Determine the rate constant and a possible two-step mechanism for this reaction that is consistent with these
results.

Your response should clearly show how your calculations and explanations are linked to the experimental results.

[6]

(b). A student carries out an investigation to find the activation energy, Ea, of a reaction.

From the results, the student determines the rate constant, k, at different temperatures, T.

The student then calculates 1 / T and ln k, as shown in Table 19.1.

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 Temperature, T / K Rate constant, k / s−1 1 / T / K−1 ln k
278 1.50 × 10−6 3.60 × 10−3 −13.41
290 1.51 × 10−5 −11.10
298 4.11 × 10−5 3.34 × 10−3 −10.10
308 1.99 × 10−4 3.23 × 10−3
323 1.40 × 10−3 3.10 × 10−3 −6.57

Table 19.1

Add the missing values to Table 19.1 and plot a graph of ln k against 1 / T on the graph paper opposite.

Using your graph, calculate the activation energy of the reaction.

Show your working.

activation energy, Ea = ........................................................... kJ mol−1 [4]

7. The following reaction is used in industry to make sulfur trioxide gas, SO3.

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 2SO2(g) + O2(g) 2SO3(g) ΔH⦵ = −196 kJ mol−1

This preparation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.

* Explain the conditions of temperature and pressure that could be used to obtain the maximum equilibrium yield
of sulfur trioxide.
Discuss the importance of a compromise between equilibrium yield and reaction rate when deciding the
operational conditions for this process.

[6]

8. A student measures how the OH– concentration changes over time for a reaction.

The student plots the graph below.

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What is the rate of reaction, in mol dm–3 s–1, at 200s?

A 2.2 × 10–4
B 2.8 × 10–4
C 1.8 × 10–3
D 4.4 × 10–2

Your answer [1]

9. The Boltzmann distribution model can be used by chemists to explain how the rate of a reaction is affected by
temperature.
Fig. 25.1 shows the Boltzmann distribution for a gas at room temperature.

Label the axes on Fig. 25.1 and add a second curve to show the Boltzmann distribution of the gas at a higher
temperature.
Explain why the Boltzmann distribution shows that the rate of a reaction is affected by temperature.

[3]

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10. A catalytic converter in a car removes nitrogen monoxide, NO, and carbon monoxide, CO, from the exhaust
gases.

Carbon monoxide reacts with nitrogen dioxide as shown in Reaction 16.2.

CO(g) + NO2(g) → NO(g) + CO2(g) Reaction 16.2

The rate equation for Reaction 16.2 is shown below:

rate = k[NO2(g)]2

Suggest a possible two-step mechanism for Reaction 16.2.

The first step is much slower than the second step.

step 1

step 2

[2]

11. The half-life for a first order reaction is 80 s.

What is the rate constant k, in s−1, for this reaction?

A 8.66 × 10−3
B 0.0125
C 55.5
D 115

Your answer [1]

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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Mark scheme

Question Answer/Indicative content Marks Guidance

if both name and formula are given,
1 i phosphoric acid / H3PO4 1 the formula must be correct, but allow
minor errors in an attempt at the name
allow a sketch of an energy profile
(allows the reaction to proceed via a diagram as long as the catalysed and
route with) lower activation energy … (1) uncatalysed Ea are both labelled

ii 2 allow ‘more molecules exceed the

… so that a greater proportion of activation energy’
molecules exceed the activation energy allow a sketch of a Boltzmann
(1) distribution as long as both axes and
both Ea values are labelled

Total 3
2 D 1

Total 1
3 D 1

Total 1

Boltzmann distribution – must start at

origin and must not end up at 0 on y-
axis i.e. must not touch x-axis at high
energy
maximum of curve to right
Correct curve for higher temperature (1) AND lower than maximum of lower
4 a 2 temperature curve
Activation energy shown on diagram AND above lower temp line at higher
AND energy as shown in diagram
graph shows that at higher temperature
(owtte) more molecules have energy
above activation energy
OR more molecules have enough energy link to graph required for mark
to react (1)
b i FIRST CHECK THE ANSWER ON THE 4 If there is an alternative answer,
ANSWER LINE check to see if there is any ECF
IF answer = 0.163 dm3 mol−1 s−1 OR credit possible using working below
0.1632 dm3 mol−1 s−1 award 4 marks
IF answer = 0.163 OR 0.1632 with
incorrect units award 3 marks both orders = 1 mark

Order w.r.t. ICl = 1 and order w.r.t H2 = 1 correct rate equation or rearranged
(1) form = 1 mark

rate = k[ICl][H2] (1) candidates may use experimental data

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 from experiments 2 or 3 to calculate
(1) the rate constant

dm3 mol−1 s−1 (1) do not allow 0.16

rate = k[ICl][H2] (from (i))

allow ecf from (i)
ii 1
= 0.163 × 3 × 10−3 × 2 × 10−3 = 9.78 ×
10−7 (mol dm−3 s−1) (1) Note use of 0.1632 from (i) gives
9.79(2) × 10−7

Total 7
5 C 1

Total 1
6 a Please refer to the marking instruction 6 Indicative scientific points may
point 10 for guidance on how to mark this include:
question. Orders and rate equation

Level 3 (5–6 marks)  NO2 and O3 both 1st order

A comprehensive conclusion which uses OR rate = k[O3] [NO2]
quantitative results for determination of  Supported by experimental
the reaction orders AND determination of results
k with units AND proposes the two-step
mechanisms.

There is a well-developed conclusion Calculation of k, including units

showing a line of reasoning which is clear
and logically structured. The working for  k correctly calculated AND
orders, rate equation, rate constant and correct units, i.e. k = 1.28 ×
two-step mechanism are clearly linked to 10−2
the experimental evidence.  dm3mol−1s−1 OR mol−1dm3 s−1

Level 2 (3–4 marks) Two-step mechanism

Reaches a sound, but not
comprehensive, conclusion based on the  Two steps add up to give
quantitative results. overall equation
Correctly identifies the orders and rate  Slow step / rate-determining
equation AND calculates the rate step matches stoichiometry of
constant with units OR proposes the two- rate equation.
step mechanism.
e.g. O3 + NO2 → O2 + NO3 rate-
The conclusion has a line of reasoning determining step
presented with some structure. The NO3 + NO2 → N2O5
working for orders, rate equation AND
rate constant OR the two-step OR
mechanism are linked to the O3 + NO2 → 2O2 + NO rate-
experimental evidence. determining step
NO + O2 + NO2 → N2O5
Level 1 (1–2 marks)
Reaches a simple conclusion for orders
AND rate equation.

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 The working for orders, and rate equation
are linked to the experimental data, but
the evidence may not be clearly shown.

0 marks
No response or no response worthy of
credit.

Temperature, T / Rate constant, k /

1 / T / K−1 ln k
K s−1

278

3.45 ×
290
10−3

298

−8.5
308
2

323

two missing values: 3.45 × 10−3 AND

b 4
−8.52

all points plotted correctly

AND ALLOW mark for gradient if correct
best straight line drawn through points working shown within Ea calculation
without gradient being calculated
separately.
gradient = ±1.36 × 104
acceptable range: 1.30−1.40 × 104
ALLOW ECF from value of gradient
multiplication by 8.314 BUT
AND DO NOT ALLOW ‘−’ sign for Ea
division by 103 to give Ea = (+)113 (kJ
mol−1)

Total 10
7 * Please refer to the marking instruction 6 Indicative scientific points may
point 10 for guidance on how to mark include
this question.
Yield
(Level 3)
All/most points covered and clearly  Increasing pressure increases
linked. yield of SO3
Must have points taken across all of the  Decreasing temperature
headings in the indicative points for Level increases yield of SO3
3.
Explanation
The explanations show a well-developed
line of reasoning linked to appropriate  (pressure) more moles /

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 suggestions which is clear and logically
structured. The compromises are
relevant and well thought out and clearly
linked to the explanations.
(5–6 marks)

(Level 2)
Suggests correct conditions with
explanations OR comments on molecules on the reactant side
compromises with reference to yield AND ORA
rate effect.  (temp.) the forward reaction is
exothermic ORA
The explanations are linked to
appropriate suggestions and show a line Rate
of reasoning with some structure. The
compromises are relevant but may not be
 Increasing pressure increases
clearly linked to the explanation.
rate
(3–4 marks)
 Increasing temperature
increases rate
(Level 1)
Compromise
Comments on conditions with some
explanation OR comments on
 Choose a higher temperature
compromise with reference to yield OR
which creates a reduced yield
rate.
but in a shorter space of time
The comments about yield / rate with
ignore reference to increase pressure
explanation are basic and communicated
leading to safety / cost issues
in an unstructured way. The
compromises may not be relevant with
lack of reasoning.
(1–2 marks)

No response or no response worthy of

credit.
(0 marks)

Total 6
Examiner’s Comments

This question discriminated well,

rewarding those candidates with a
good understanding of the link
between concentration, time and rate.
1 Many candidates drew a tangent to the
8 B
(AO 2.8) curve at 200 s, measuring its gradient
to get the correct choice of B.
Common errors focused on reading of
the concentration at 200 s. This was
then either matched to option D
directly or divided by 200 to give
option A.

Total 1

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 ANNOTATE ANSWER WITH TICKS
AND CROSSES NOTE: Look for
marking criteria within annotations on
Boltzmann distribution diagram
IGNORE slight inflexion on the curve
For labels ALLOW number of
particles ALLOW amount of
molecules/particles IGNORE number
of atoms ALLOW kinetic energy
IGNORE enthalpy for energy ORA at
lower temperature ALLOW more
molecules have the energy to react
Curve at higher temperature 1 mark more molecules can overcome/reach
Curve starts close to zero Ea IGNORE atoms IGNORE more
AND successful collisions OR collide more
does not touch x axis at high energy frequently DO NOT ALLOW
AND 3 (AO1.2) explanation is in terms of two
9 maximum to right AND lower than (AO1.1) activation energies (i.e. ‘catalyst
provided curve (AO1.1) explanation)
AND
finishing higher than provided curve ✓ Examiner’s Comments
Labels 1 mark
Axes labels correct: Most candidates answered this
• Number of molecules AND Energy ✓ question well. Most graphs were
Explanation 1 mark drawn with care but some peaks were
More molecules have energy greater shown at the same height as the
than Ea provided curve or meeting this curve at
OR high energy. Some candidates labelled
Greater area under curve above Ea ✓ what should have been ‘energy’ on the
x axis as ‘progress of reaction’, or
Could be in diagram used ‘atoms’ rather than molecules for
If not stated, assume higher temperature the y axis label. Many candidates were
able to explain that more molecules
exceed the activation energy at a
higher temperature.

Total 3
1 2NO2 only on LHS of step 1 ✓ 2(AO3.1×2 M2 dependent on M1
0 )
Rest of mechanism ✓ Examples:

Step 1 : 2NO2 → NO + NO3

Step 2 : NO3 + CO → NO2 + CO2

OR
Step 1 : 2NO2 → N2O4
Step 2 : N2O4 + CO → NO + NO2 +
CO2

OR
Step 1 : 2NO2 → N2 + 2O2
Step 2 : N2 + 2O2 + CO → NO + NO2 +
CO2

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 OR
Step 1 : 2NO2 → 2NO + O2
Step 2 : NO + O2 + CO → NO2 + CO2

Examiner’s Comments

Many candidates recognised the need

for 2NO2 in the first step, with slightly
less then adding an appropriate
second step. Errors included
unbalanced species and unbalanced
charges. A wide range of suggested
possible mechanisms were seen,
including several which led to multiple
correct versions of the overall
equation. Both balanced equations
needed to combine to form the overall
equation. However, a few inventive
candidates gave a first step of NO2 +
NO2 → 2NO2, followed by the full
balanced equation for the second step
– this was not given marks.

Total 2
Examiner’s Comments

This question was quite well answered

with many candidates realising that for
1 a first order reaction, determination of
A 1(AO1.2)
1 the rate constant, k, from the constant
half-life, t1/2, they should use the
relationship: k = ln 2/t1/2. A common
error was option B, as many used 1/t
used for ln 2/t1/2.

Total 1

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