Distribution Pogil Answer Key Extension Questions: Maxwell Boltzmann

Students must perform a qualitative calculation to see the exponential effect.

Step-by-step calculation of the fraction ratio:

The Ratio of Rates: [ \frac\textRate at 400K\textRate at 300K = \frace^-15.03e^-20.05 = e^5.02 \approx 152 ] Students must perform a qualitative calculation to see

Conclusion: Even though the temperature increased by only 100K, the reaction rate is 150 times faster. The M-B extension question forces students to realize that kinetic energy distributions are mercilessly exponential.

POGIL Acceptable Answer: "The fraction of molecules with sufficient energy is exquisitely sensitive to temperature because (E_a / RT) appears in the exponent. A 100K increase reduces the exponent magnitude, yielding a 150-fold increase in reactive collisions." The Ratio of Rates: [ \frac\textRate at 400K\textRate

The statement is approximately true but not strictly true for a real gas.

a) (T_2) has a larger fraction above (E_a). The statement is approximately true but not strictly

b) Yes — increasing temperature increases the rate constant (k).

Correction: The catalyst changes the requirement (the Ea line), not the distribution of molecular speeds.