AP® CHEMISTRY

Question 7

(4 points)

The ha

l

f-life (t

1/2

) of the catalyzed isomerization of cis-2-butene gas to produce trans-2-butene gas,

represented above, was measured under various conditions, as shown in the table below.

Trial Number

Initial P

cis-2-butene

(torr)

V (L) T (K)

t

1/2

(s)

1

300.

2.00

350. 100.

2

600.

2.00

350. 100.

3

300.

4.00

350.

100.

4

300.

2.00

365 50.

(

a)

The reaction is first order. Explain how the data in the table are consistent with a first-order reaction.

For a first-order reaction, the half-life is independent of reactant

concentration (or pressure) at constant T, as shown in trials 1, 2, and 3.

1 point is earned for a

correct explanation.

(

b)

Calculate the rate constant, k, for the reaction at 350. K. Include appropriate units with your answer.

1/ 2

1

0.693 0.693

= = = 0.00693 s

100. s

k

t

-

1 poi

n

t is earned for correct numerical answer with units.

(

c)

Is the initial rate of the reaction in trial 1 greater than, less than, or equal to the initial rate in trial 2 ?

Justify your answer.

The initial rate in trial 1 is less than that in trial 2

because rate = k [cis-2-butene] or

rate = k

-2-butenecis

P

(

w

i

th reference

to values from both trials).

OR

because the initial concentration of cis-2-butene in trial 1 is less than

that in trial 2 and k is constant.

1 point is earned for the

correct answer with

justification.

(

d)

The half-life of the reaction in trial 4 is less than the half-life in trial 1. Explain why, in terms of activation

energy.

The temperature is higher in trial 4, meaning that the KE

avg

of the

molecules is greater. Consequently, in this trial a greater fraction

of collisions have sufficient energy to overcome the activation

energy barrier, thus the rate is greater.

1 poi

n

t is earned for a correct

answer with justification.

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AP

®

CHEMISTRY

2014 SCORING COMMENTARY

Question 7

Overview

T

he question required students to interpret kinetic data in the isomerization reaction of cis-2-butene to

trans-2-butene under various conditions in the gaseous state. Four trials were presented in a table that listed

the initial pressure of cis-2-butene, the volume of the reaction chamber, temperature, and half-life of the

reaction. Part (a) stated that the reaction is first order and asked for an explanation of how the data was

consistent with this fact. In part (b) students calculated the rate constant k for the reaction at 350 K. Part (c)

assessed students’ knowledge of the relationship between reaction rates, rate constant, and concentration

by asking for a prediction, with justification, about whether the initial rate of reaction in trial 1 would be

greater than, less than, or equal to that in trial 2. (Relative to trial 1, trial 2 had an identical volume,

temperature and half-life, but twice the initial partial pressure of reactant.) In part (d) students needed to

explain why, in terms of activation energy, the half-life of the reaction in trial 4 is less than the half-life of

trial 1. This part examined the ability to logically associate a higher temperature with greater average kinetic

energy of reactant molecules and thus a greater fraction of molecules able to collide with enough energy to

overcome the activation energy barrier.

Sample: 7

A

Score:

4

This response received all 4 possible points: 1 point in part (a), 1 point in part (b), 1 point in part (c), and 1

point in part (d).

Sample: 7

B

Score:

2

Part (a) did not earn a point because it omits any mention of half-life and makes no clear reference to

relevant data from the table. The answer to part (b) did not earn a point because, although it provides a

valid setup with the correct numerical value of k, it does not include units. The points were earned in parts

(c) and (d).

Sample: 7

C

Score: 1

In part (a) the point was not earned because the response makes only vague references to the data and

does

not mention half-life specifically. Part (b) did not earn the point because, although the setup and

numerical answer are correct, the answer has incorrect units. The point was not earned in part (c) because

the student said the initial rates are equal. The point was earned in part (d).

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