This example problem demonstrates how to use reaction rates to determine the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation.
Problem
The following reaction is observed:
2A + bB → cC + dD
As the reaction progressed, the concentrations changed by these rates
rateA = 0.050 mol/L·s
rateB = 0.150 mol/L·s
rateC = 0.075 mol/L·s
rateD = 0.025 mol/L·s
What are the values for the coefficients b, c, and d?
Solution
Chemical reaction rates measure the change in concentration of the substance per unit time.
The coefficient of the chemical equation shows the whole number ratio of materials needed or products produced by the reaction. This means they also show the relative reaction rates.
Step 1: Find b
rateB/rateA = b/coefficient of A
b = coefficient of A x rateB/rateA
b = 2 x 0.150/0.050
b = 2 x 3
b = 6
For every 2 moles of A, 6 moles of B are needed to complete the reaction
Step 2: Find c
rateB/rateA = c/coefficient of A
c = coefficient of A x rateC/rateA
c = 2 x 0.075/0.050
c = 2 x 1.5
c = 3
For every 2 moles of A, 3 moles of C are produced
Step 3: Find d
rateD/rateA = c/coefficient of A
d = coefficient of A x rateD/rateA
d = 2 x 0.025/0.050
d = 2 x 0.5
d = 1
For every 2 moles of A, 1 mole of D is produced
Answer
The missing coefficients for the 2A + bB → cC + dD reaction are b=6, c=3, and d=1.
The balanced equation is 2A + 6B → 3C + D