Using a Graphing Calculator to Determine a First-Order Rate Constant When the Infinity Reading Is Unknown

Deborah A. Moore
Department of Mathematics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9019
José E. Cortés-Figueroa
Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9019
J. Chem. Educ., 2002, 79 (12), p 1462
DOI: 10.1021/ed079p1462
Publication Date (Web): December 1, 2002

Abstract

The infinity value is an important aspect of first-order reactions that is often neglected. In fact, incorrect or missing infinity values can produce curvature of the logarithmic plot which can lead to incorrect assumptions that a reaction is not first-order. This paper uses data from the classic acid–catalyzed sucrose inversion experiment to demonstrate how to use a graphing calculator as an alternate means to determine the infinity value of the physical property being used to follow the progress of a chemical reaction and how to determine the rate constant which governs a first-order reaction when the infinity value is unknown.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Physical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Calculator-Based Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Kinetics
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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