We explored some more complex mechanisms involving chain reactions. This was then applied to understand polymerization.

Summary - Slides

We completed some kinetics practice problems on using the steady-state and pre-equilibrium approximations.

Practice problems - Solutions

We took a look at additional approximation methods to handle more complex mechanisms. The application to some organic systems was also discussed.

Summary - Slides

We explored some more “simple” mechanisms, including consecutive and reversible reactions. We looked at limiting cases where we can physically understand the rate expressions in terms of the relative magnitudes of k’s. We also began to explore the use of the steady-state approximation to work with more complicated mechanism.

I also handed out the third exam, which is a take-home exam. The questions are posted in the “Exams” section while the associate journal articles is posted on the Blackboard site (due to copyright issues).

Summary - Slides

We discussed the temperature dependence of the rate constant before beginning our discussion of reaction mechanisms. We started to talk about “simple” mechanisms at first.

Summary - Slides

After a brief discussion of some phase diagrams questions, we took a look at how you would determine a rate law through experimental methods. In addition, we examined some “simple” cases of 0th, 1st, and 2nd order kinetics.

Summary - Slides

After completing some practice problems involving phase diagrams, we began to discus chemical kinetics. We looked at several ways to write the rate of a chemical reaction and the associated rate law.

Summary - Slides - Practice problems

The solutions manual for Levine is now available on Reserve in the library. Sorry for the delay in getting it there.

We are still having our second celebration of learning on Friday. I have my regular office hours on Thursday and will be on campus this Wednesday, either in my office or in the lab.