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Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionChemistryISBN: 9781292336145Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 39

(b) Write the balanced reaction that corresponds to the data in the graph.Graph showing concentration changes of reactants [X], [Y], and product [Z] over time in a chemical reaction.

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1
Step 1: Identify the reactants and products from the graph. The graph shows the concentration changes of [X], [Y], and [Z] over time.
Step 2: Determine which species are reactants and which are products. The concentration of [X] decreases over time, indicating it is a reactant. The concentrations of [Y] and [Z] increase over time, indicating they are products.
Step 3: Write the general form of the chemical reaction. Since [X] is the reactant and [Y] and [Z] are products, the reaction can be written as: X -> Y + Z.
Step 4: Balance the chemical equation. Check the stoichiometry by comparing the initial and final concentrations of the reactants and products. Adjust coefficients to ensure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Step 5: Verify the balanced equation. Ensure that the balanced equation accurately represents the changes in concentration observed in the graph.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Reaction Stoichiometry

Chemical reaction stoichiometry involves the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It is represented by a balanced chemical equation, which shows the ratio of moles of each substance involved. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for determining how much of each reactant is needed and how much product can be formed.
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Concentration Changes Over Time

The graph illustrates how the concentrations of reactants and products change over time during a chemical reaction. Initially, the concentrations of reactants decrease while the concentration of products increases, reflecting the progress of the reaction. Analyzing these changes helps in understanding the reaction kinetics and the completion of the reaction.
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Equilibrium and Reaction Completion

In many chemical reactions, the system can reach a state of equilibrium where the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. The graph can indicate whether the reaction goes to completion or reaches a dynamic equilibrium. Recognizing these concepts is crucial for writing the balanced equation that accurately represents the reaction's behavior.
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