Module One

KINETICS

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

This module should be read in conjunction with the Programme of Study.

The Programme of Study lists the topics that are in the module and gives you the relevant page references for your textbook. This module aims to give you more direction as you work through the various topics. It will aim to highlight the most important items in the topic, as well as areas that need particular care. It will also point you towards the resources you should be using.

Remember to double-check the syllabus to make sure you cover all the items that you need to.

Module Overview Icon.png Module Overview

Within this module, you can consider different methods used to measure reaction rates and collect valid data. Through the analysis of this data, and a knowledge of rate equations, you can see how chemists are able to propose models to describe the mechanisms of chemical reactions. This section builds on AS kinetics (pages 234 to 245 of AS textbook Student Book 1) which may be worth reviewing. The practical work and techniques are very important here. Make sure you complete the virtual practical work and especially the three core practicals.

It is also worth revising nucleophilic substitution of halogenoalkanes (pages 264 to 269 of AS textbook Student Book 1) and mechanisms power point.

  • During your AS course you learned about rates:
    • how quickly a reaction reaches equilibrium based upon collision theory
    • how and why factors affect the rate in terms of particles
    • how to draw Boltzmann distribution curves
    • how these diagrams can be used to explain how a catalyst or a temperature change alters the rate of a reaction.
  • Now at A2, numbers become involved:
    • rate equations need to be worked out
    • orders determined
    • rate constants (with correct units) need to be calculated.
  • This can be done either by looking at:
    • concentration-time graphs and understanding the importance of a half-life
    • initial rate-concentration graphs
    • the importance of a rate-determining step needs to be understood.

Topics Icon.png Topics

Topic One (1.1): Techniques to Measure the Rate of a Reaction

Topic Two (1.2): Rate Equations, Rate Constant and the Order of a Reaction

Topic Three (1.3): Rate Equation and Mechanisms

Topic Four (1.4): Activation Energy and Catalysts

Topic Five (1.5): Effect of Temperature on the Rate Constant