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Lesson 1 Introduction to Chemical Kinetics |
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Assignments & Research |
The first lesson introduces the concept of chemical kinetics and rates of reactions. Students are not required to learn the rate law, rate orders, rate constant, or the Arrhenius equation. |
To introduce this unit a simple experiment involving the rate of cooling of water may be done to (a) demonstrate that reaction rate is not constant but decreases as the reaction progresses and (b) allow students to calculate rates over different time periods. Minimal equipment is required (lab thermometer, hot water). |
Assignments cover important terms and simple rate calculations. Introduction to Kinetics & Rates of Reaction |
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Lesson 2 The Collision Theory and Reaction Mechanisms |
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| Understanding the collision theory is central to this module. Students should understand that not only must reacting particles collide, but the collisions must occur with sufficient force and with proper orientation. This background is essential to correctly interpreting potential energy curves and the concept of activation energy. | Simple demonstrations may be done to emphasize the key points of the collision theory (see Lessons 2-1 and 2-2) |
Students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the collision theory and the concept of reaction mechanism and rate-determining step. Students should be able to interpret kinetic energy curves. Collision Theory & Reaction Mechanisms |
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Lesson 3 Activation Energy and Potential Energy Diagrams |
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| Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to correctly interpret potential energy curves. | Students should be able to demonstrate their understanding of potential energy curves, including activation energy and the activated complex. Factors Influencing Reaction Rates |
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Lesson 4 Factors Influencing Reaction Rates |
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Lesson 4 focuses on the factors that affect the rate of chemical reaction. Potential energy curves and the collision theory are correlated to how these factors affect reaction rates. The four key factors are:
It is important that students understand the importance of these factors, for they will be important in understanding Le Châtalier's Principle in the Equilibrium module. |
Lab activities should be used to reinforce the understanding of how various factors affect reaction rates. Factors Influencing Reaction Rate - examines all key factors influencing reaction rate. This lab is divided into four quick experiments; alternatives can be found for any of the four. No quantitative analysis is involved. The Iodine Clock Reaction can be used to examine the effect of concentration and the effect of temperature on reaction rate. Students may graph the influence of these factors on reaction rate.
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Catalyst Research Assignment. Assignments should assess student understanding of how reaction rates are influenced by the key factors of nature of reactants, temperature, concentration/pressure, and catalysts. Students should be able to use kinetic energy and potential energy curves to interpret and explain the effects of these factors.
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Terms to Know
| activated complex | collision theory | reaction mechanism |
| activation energy | enzyme | reaction rate |
| catalyst | inhibitor | transition state |
| chemical kinetics | rate-determining step |