Question

In the reaction 2HgO(s) → 2Hg(l) + O₂(g) we measure the change in concentration of O₂ with time to determine the rate of reaction. At the beginning of the reaction (t=0 min), 0.020 L of O₂ is present. After 15 minutes the volume of O₂ is 0.35 L. What is the rate of reaction?

a. 0.22 L/min
b. 0.23 L/min
c. 0.023L/min
d. 0.33L/min

Answer 1

The rate of reaction is found by measuring the change in volume of O₂ over time; for the given reaction, the rate is calculated as 0.022 L/min, rounded to two decimal places, which gives an answer of 0.023 L/min (option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate of reaction for the decomposition of 2HgO(s) → 2Hg(l) + O₂(g) is calculated by finding the change in volume of O₂ over time. At t=0 minutes, the volume is 0.020 L, and after 15 minutes, it is 0.35 L. To determine the rate, we use the formula: rate = ∆[O₂]/∆t.

To calculate the rate of reaction, we subtract the initial volume from the final volume and then divide by the time interval. Using the given values:

Rate = (Final volume of O₂ - Initial volume of O₂) / Time
Rate = (0.35 L - 0.020 L) / 15 min
Rate = 0.33 L / 15 min
Rate = 0.022 L/min

Hence, the correct answer is c. 0.023 L/min.