Problem: At 298 K, the decomposition of ammonia is catalyzed by tungsten. This activation energy is modified by the use of a catalyst, so as to make the reaction run faster. More precisely, the catalyst brings the activation energy down from 335 kJ/mol to 163 kJ/mol. Assuming that the Arrhenius entropic prefactor is the same for the catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions, which of the following statements is true with reference to the rate constant of the catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions, at 298 K? a) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 1.07 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction. b) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 0.933 times the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction. c) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 7×10−31 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction. d) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is equal to the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction. e) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 1.4×1030 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

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At 298 K, the decomposition of ammonia is catalyzed by tungsten. This activation energy is modified by the use of a catalyst, so as to make the reaction run faster. More precisely, the catalyst brings the activation energy down from 335 kJ/mol to 163 kJ/mol. Assuming that the Arrhenius entropic prefactor is the same for the catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions, which of the following statements is true with reference to the rate constant of the catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions, at 298 K?

a) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 1.07 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

b) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 0.933 times the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

c) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 7×10−31 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

d) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is equal to the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

e) The rate constant for the catalyzed reaction is 1.4×1030 times larger than the rate constant for the uncatalyzed reaction.

What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?

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Based on our data, we think this problem is relevant for Professor Raghavachari & Jarrold's class at IU.