When 2-propanol reacts to form an equilibrium mixture with propanone and hydrogen, which one of the following best represents how the rates of the forward and back reactions change over time?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 7
When 2-propanol reacts to form an equilibrium mixture with propanone and hydrogen, which one of the following best represents how the rates of the forward and back r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When 2-propanol reacts to form an equilibrium mixture with propanone and hydrogen, which one of the following best represents how the rates of the forward and back reactions change over time?
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the reaction dynamics
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Answer
The reaction between 2-propanol, propanone, and hydrogen involves both forward and reverse reactions. Initially, the rate of the forward reaction (producing propanone and hydrogen) is high as reactants are abundant.
Step 2
Analyze the equilibrium state
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Answer
As the reaction proceeds, the concentrations of the products (propanone and hydrogen) increase while the reactants decrease. Eventually, a dynamic equilibrium is reached where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions become equal.
Step 3
Choose the correct graph representation
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Answer
Based on the reaction dynamics and the establishment of equilibrium, option D best represents the rates of the forward and back reactions over time. It shows that the forward reaction rate decreases while the reverse reaction rate increases until they equalize, indicating equilibrium.
