Chapter 15 #79

Arrhenius Equation: $\ln k = - \frac{E_{a}}{RT} + \ln A$

Audrey Goodman 1F
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2017 7:06 am

Chapter 15 #79

This question describes how two or more different products can be formed by different pathways, and whether kinetic control or thermodynamic control predominates. Is it just based on temperature and the activation energy barrier or how do we know which dominates? I'm not quite clear on this concept.

Curtis Tam 1J
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:00 am

Re: Chapter 15 #79

For part a you know that the second product is formed under high temps, so that means a large amount of energy is needed to overcome the energy barrier for the product to form. I am also slightly confused on the wording in part b, but I think the rule is that if you have a low Ea, then kinetic control dominates at low temps but if you have a high Ea, then kinetic control dominates at high temps. But I am still not totally sure if what I'm saying is right. I just find the answer key to part b slightly confusing.