The rate constant for the decomposition of acetaldehyde, CH₃CHO, to methane, CH₄, and carbon monoxide, CO, in the gas phase is 1.32 ✕ 10⁻² L/mol/s at 707 K and 3.20 L/mol/s at 851 K. Determine the activation energy (in kJ/mol) for this decomposition.

The correct answer is 190.74 KJ/mol

Explanation:

In order to determine the activation energy of a reaction (Ea) from two reaction rates (k1 and k2) at two different temperatures (T1 and T2), we have to use the following equation:

ln (k2/k1)= Ea/R x (1/T1 - 1/T2)

Where R is the gas constant (8.3145 J/mol.K).

We have: k1= 1.32 x 10⁻² L/mol/s ; T1= 707 K

               k2= 3.20 L/mol/s ; T2= 851 K

We introduce the data in the equation and determine Ea:

ln (3.20 L/mol/s/1.32 x 10⁻² L/mol/s) = Ea/(8.3145 J/K.mol) x ( (1/707 K) - (1/851 K))

⇒Ea = ln (3.20 L/mol/s/1.32 x 10⁻² L/mol/s)/ ( (1/707 K) - (1/851 K)) x (8.3145 J/K.mol)

⇒Ea = 190,743 J/mol

We divide by 1000 to obtain Ea in KJ/mol: 190.74 KJ/mol

some of the qualities most frequently associated with the baroque are grandeur, sensuous richness, drama, vitality, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and a tendency to blur distinctions between the various arts.

a mercury barometer is a device that uses the physical properties of mercury in a tube to measure barometric pressure. mercury barometers are used for : -

1. measurement of atmospheric pressure  

2. determining the altitude of a place

3. weather forecasting

4. calibration and checking of aneroid barometers

5. application in fluid mechanics

6. measurement of pressure in aircrafts

7. surface weather analysis

8. preparation of barographs

9. usage in physical sciences like physics, astronomy & chemistry

10. preparation of aircraft altimeters

characteristics of mercury barometer : -

1.used to define and measure atmospheric pressure.

2.on the average at sea level the column of mercury rises to a height of about 760 mm.

3.this quantity is equal to 1 atmosphere.

4.it is also known as standard atmospheric pressure.

5.a barometer in which the weight of a column of mercury in a glass tube with a sealed top is balanced against that of the atmosphere pressing on an exposed cistern of mercury at the base of the mercury column, the height of the column varying with atmospheric pressure.