CBSE Class 12 Chemistry NCERT Solutions: Chapter 4 - Chemical Kinetics
This chapter delves into the fundamental principles of Chemical Kinetics, crucial for understanding the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions. The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry, Chapter 4, provide clear explanations and step-by-step solutions to various problems. Key concepts covered include the factors affecting reaction rates, the role of catalysts in altering activation energy, the difference between positive and negative catalysts, and the relationship between rate constants and temperature as described by the Arrhenius equation. The solutions also address the calculation of rate constants for first-order reactions, particularly in gas-phase decomposition scenarios, using initial and total pressures. These meticulously crafted solutions are designed to aid students in grasping complex topics, reinforcing their understanding, and preparing effectively for their board examinations.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Chemistry Exemplar |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 4 of the NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook focuses on Chemical Kinetics. The provided NCERT Solutions cover multiple-choice questions related to reaction rates, catalysts, activation energy, and the Arrhenius equation. It includes detailed explanations for determining activation energy from rate constants at different temperatures and analyzing gas-phase decomposition reactions using pressure changes. These solutions aim to clarify the core concepts and problem-solving techniques for this chapter.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of a catalyst in chemical reactions.
- Differentiate between positive and negative catalysts.
- Explain how catalysts affect activation energy.
- Determine the activation energy of a reaction using rate constants at different temperatures.
- Analyze gas-phase decomposition reactions and calculate rate constants for first-order processes.
- Relate changes in pressure to reaction progress in gas-phase reactions.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Chemical Kinetics
- Rate of Reaction
- Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction
- Catalysts
- Activation Energy
- Arrhenius Equation
- Rate Constant
- First-Order Reactions
- Gas-Phase Decomposition
- Pressure Changes in Reactions
- Energy Profile Diagrams
Important topics
- Role and effect of catalysts on activation energy
- Determination of activation energy using the Arrhenius equation
- Analysis of first-order gas-phase reactions
- Understanding energy profile diagrams
- Relationship between rate constant and temperature
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Questions and Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q. 1 The role of a catalyst is to change ...... .
(a) Gibbs energy of reaction
(b) enthalpy of reaction
(c) activation energy of reaction
(d) equilibrium constant
Q. 2 In the presence of a catalyst, the heat evolved or absorbed during the reaction .........
(a) increases
(b) decreases
(c) remains unchanged
(d) may increase or decrease
Q. 3 Activation energy of a chemical reaction can be determined by .....
(a) determining the rate constant at standard temperature
(b) determining the rate constant at two temperatures
(c) determining probability of collision
(d) using catalyst
Q. 4 Consider the given figure and mark the correct option.
The figure shows an energy profile diagram where the y-axis represents Energy and the x-axis represents Reaction coordinate. The reactants are at a certain energy level, and the products are at a lower energy level. There is a peak representing the activated complex. The energy difference between reactants and the activated complex is labeled as $E_1$, and the energy difference between products and the activated complex is labeled as $E_2$.
(a) Activation energy of the forward reaction is $E_1 + E_2$ and the product is less stable than the reactant.
(b) Activation energy of the forward reaction is $E_1 + E_2$ and the product is more stable than the reactant.
(c) Activation energy of both forward and backward reaction is $E_1 + E_2$ and the reactant is more stable than the product.
(d) Activation energy of the backward reaction is $E_1$ and the product is more stable than the reactant.
Q. 5 Consider a first-order gas phase decomposition reaction given below:
The initial pressure of the system before decomposition of A was $p_i$. After a lapse of time 't', the total pressure of the system increased by x units and became $p_t$. The rate constant k for the reaction is given as ........
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Here, $p_i$ is the initial pressure of A. At time $t$, $x$ amount of A has decomposed, forming $x$ amount of B and $x$ amount of C. The pressure of A remaining is $p_i - x$.
The total pressure at time $t$, $p_t$, is the sum of the partial pressures of all gases:
From this, we can express $x$ in terms of $p_t$ and $p_i$:
For a first-order reaction, the rate constant $k$ is given by:
The initial pressure of reactant A is $p_i$. The pressure of reactant A at time $t$ is $p_i - x$. Substituting the expression for $x$:
Now, substitute $x = p_t - p_i$ into the denominator:
This matches option (b).
Common mistakes
- Confusing the effect of a catalyst on activation energy versus enthalpy or Gibbs energy.
- Incorrectly applying the Arrhenius equation to calculate activation energy.
- Errors in setting up the pressure relationships for gas-phase first-order reactions.
- Misinterpreting the energy profile diagram for activation energy.
- Assuming catalysts change the equilibrium constant.
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the mechanism by which catalysts alter reaction rates.
- Practice deriving and applying the Arrhenius equation for activation energy calculations.
- Work through the gas-phase reaction problems, paying close attention to pressure changes.
- Review the energy profile diagrams to correctly identify activation energies for forward and backward reactions.
- Memorize the definitions and roles of positive and negative catalysts.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary role of a catalyst in a chemical reaction?
Explanation: A catalyst influences the rate of a reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, thereby speeding up the reaction without being consumed itself.
Q2. How does the presence of a catalyst affect the heat evolved or absorbed during a reaction?
Explanation: Catalysts do not alter the overall energy change (heat evolved or absorbed) of a reaction because they do not change the energy difference between reactants and products; they only affect the activation energy.
Q3. Which method is used to determine the activation energy of a chemical reaction?
Explanation: The activation energy can be determined by measuring the rate constant at two different temperatures and applying the Arrhenius equation, which relates the rate constant to temperature and activation energy.
Q4. In an energy profile diagram, what does the difference in energy between the reactants and the activated complex represent?
Explanation: The activation energy for the forward reaction is the minimum energy required for reactants to reach the activated complex state, which is the energy difference between the reactants and the peak of the energy barrier.
Q5. For a first-order gas phase decomposition reaction A(g) → B(g) + C(g), if the initial pressure is pᵢ and the total pressure at time 't' is pₜ, what is the expression for the rate constant k?
Explanation: The rate constant for a first-order reaction involving gas decomposition can be calculated using the initial pressure (pᵢ) and the total pressure at time 't' (pₜ) via the formula k = (2.303/t) log(pᵢ / (2pᵢ - pₜ)).
Frequently asked questions
What is the main function of a catalyst in a chemical reaction according to Chapter 4?
The main function of a catalyst is to change the activation energy of a chemical reaction, typically by lowering it, which increases the reaction rate without being consumed in the process.
Does a catalyst affect the heat change (enthalpy) of a reaction?
No, a catalyst does not change the heat evolved or absorbed during a reaction. It only affects the pathway and the energy barrier (activation energy), not the overall energy difference between reactants and products.
How can activation energy be determined from experimental data?
Activation energy can be determined by measuring the rate constant of a reaction at two different temperatures and using the Arrhenius equation, which relates the rate constant to temperature and activation energy.
What is the significance of the term 'activated complex' in chemical kinetics?
The activated complex is a transient, high-energy intermediate state formed when reactant molecules collide with sufficient energy and proper orientation. The energy required to reach this state is the activation energy.
How are pressure changes used to determine the rate constant for gas-phase reactions?
For gas-phase reactions, especially first-order decompositions, the rate constant can be calculated by monitoring the total pressure change over time. This change is related to the extent of reaction and can be used in integrated rate laws.
What is the difference between a positive and a negative catalyst?
A positive catalyst increases the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy, while a negative catalyst decreases the rate of a reaction by increasing the activation energy.
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