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A-LevelChemistryReaction kinetics9701/42 · May/June 2023 · Q410 Marks

In aqueous solution, iron(III) ions react with iodide ions, as shown. 2Fe3+ + 2I- → 2Fe2+ + I2 A series of experiments is carried out using different concentrations of Fe3+ and I¯, as shown in Table 4.1. [Table 4.1]

  1. (a)(i)Explain what is meant by overall order of reaction.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Use the data in Table 4.1 to deduce the order of reaction with respect to Fe3+ and with respect to I-. Explain your reasoning.[2]
  3. (a)(iii)Use your answer to (a)(ii) to construct the rate equation for this reaction. rate[1]
  4. (a)(iv)Use your answer to (a)(iii) and the data from experiment 1 to calculate the rate constant, k, for this reaction. Include the units of k. k = units[2]
  5. (a)(v)Describe qualitatively the effect of an increase in temperature on the rate constant and on the rate of this reaction.[1]
  6. (b)(i)In aqueous solution, iodide ions react with acidified hydrogen peroxide, as shown. 2I¯ + H2O2 + 2H+ → I2 + 2H2O The initial rate of reaction is found to be first order with respect to I¯, first order with respect to H2O2 and zero order with respect to H+. Fig. 4.1 shows a possible four-step mechanism for this reaction. [Figure 4.1] Suggest which of the steps, 1, 2, 3 or 4, in this mechanism is the rate-determining step. Explain your answer.[1]
  7. (b)(ii)Identify a step in Fig. 4.1 that involves a redox reaction. Explain your answer in terms of oxidation numbers.[1]
  8. (b)(iii)Suggest the role of HIO in this mechanism. Explain your reasoning.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] the sum/total of the power / exponent to which a concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate equation / law
  2. [1] M1 (expt 1 and 2) when [Fe3+] × 3, rate × 3 so first order w.r.t. Fe3+
  3. [1] M2 (expt 1 and 3) when [Fe3+] × 2, [I¯] × 2, rate × 8 so second order w.r.t. I- OR (expt 2 and 3) when [Fe3+] ÷ 1.5, [I¯] × 2, rate × 2.7 so second order w.r.t. I-
  4. [1] (rate =) k[Fe3+][-]² ecf (a)(ii)
  5. [1] k = rate / [Fe3+][I−]2 = (2.64 × 10–4) / (0.04 × 0.022); k = 16.5 min 2sf ecf
  6. [1] units = mol-2 dm6 s-1 ecf
  7. [1] (k and rate of reaction) both increase
  8. [1] step 1 as this has one mole of H2O2 and one mole of I- OR step 1 as correct stoichiometry / coefficients of 1 H2O2 and 1 I- OR step 1 as number of moles of each reactant are consistent with rate equation / their orders
  9. [1] step 1 I oxid no –1 → +1 AND O oxid no –1 → –2 OR step 3 I oxid no –1 → 0 AND I oxid no +1 → 0
  10. [1] intermediate AND formed (in step 2) and used up (in step 3) ALLOW oxidising agent (in step 3) AND oxidises I (to I2)

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About this question

Topic
Reaction kinetics, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2023 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 4.

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