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IB Chemistry SL 2.2.1 Rate of Reaction Questions

Use real SL exam graphs and experiments to calculate average or initial rates and choose a measurable progress variable.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Chemistry SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Choose a measurable variable such as concentration, mass, gas volume, pressure, colour, conductivity or pH and monitor its change with time.
  • Calculate average reaction rate from the gradient over a specified interval of a concentration, amount, mass or volume–time graph, with correct units.
  • Identify the initial or instantaneous rate from the tangent/initial gradient and state the rate units and sign convention clearly.

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Study 2.2.1—Rate of reaction conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Chemistry SL 2.2.1 Rate of Reaction Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Iron rusts in the presence of oxygen and water. Rusting is a redox process involving several steps that produces hydrated iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3∙nH2O\mathrm{Fe}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3} \bullet \mathrm{nH}_{2} \mathrm{O}, as the final product. The half-equations involved for the first step of rusting are given below.

Half-equation 1: Fe(s)→Fe2+(aq)+2e−\quad \mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{s}) \rightarrow \mathrm{Fe}^{2+}(\mathrm{aq})+2 \mathrm{e}^{-}

Half-equation 2: O2(aq)+4e−+2H2O(l)→4OH−(aq)\quad \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{aq})+4 \mathrm{e}^{-}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l}) \rightarrow 4 \mathrm{OH}^{-}(\mathrm{aq})

Question (a)

(a)

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes according to the equation below.

2H2O2(aq)→2H2O(l)+O2( g)2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{aq}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l})+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{~g})

The rate of the decomposition can be monitored by measuring the volume of oxygen gas released. The graph shows the results obtained when a solution of hydrogen peroxide decomposed in the presence of a CuO catalyst.

Figure for Question (a) — IB Chemistry SL
[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Outline how the initial rate of reaction can be found from the graph.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Outline a different experimental procedure that can be used to monitor the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide.

[ 1 ]
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