Question

In the PhET Reactions & Rates interactive, on the Many Collisions tab, set up a simulation with 15 molecules of A and 10 molecules of BC. Select "Show Bonds" under Options.

a) Count the number of bonds formed.
b) Calculate the reaction rate.
c) Determine the activation energy.
d) Identify the limiting reactant.

Answer 1

In the PhET Reactions & Rates simulation, by enabling 'Show Bonds,' one can count the bonds formed, calculate the reaction rate, and identify the limiting reactant. Activation energy and reaction rate are further influenced by factors like collision angle, reactant concentration, and temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

When setting up a simulation with 15 molecules of A and 10 molecules of BC in the PhET Reactions & Rates interactive, you can observe a few key aspects related to chemical reactions:

• The number of bonds formed can be counted directly from the simulation once the 'Show Bonds' option is enabled.
• The reaction rate can be extrapolated from the simulation by measuring how fast the reactants are turning into products over time.
• To determine the activation energy, you would need to look at the energy profiles provided by the simulation when 'Energy view' is enabled.
• The limiting reactant is the reactant that will be completely used up first, determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed.

Furthermore, the reaction rate can be slowed or sped up by adjusting reaction conditions such as the angle of the collision, reactant concentration, and temperature. Assuming the reaction is irreversible simplifies the calculations for the reaction rate by focusing only on the forward reaction without considering the backward reaction.