Chapter 18, Problem 57A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: When the gas to a stove is turned on, the gas does not burn until it is lit by a flame, the explanation for the said statement in terms of the effect of temperature on reaction rate is to be stated.

Concept Introduction: The rate of a chemical reaction is generally expressed as the reactant’s concentration consumed and the product’s concentration formed per unit of time.

Answer to Problem 57A

When the gas in a stove is turned on, the gas does not burn until it is lit by a flame because the flame provides energy for the gas to stay and reach an activated complex.

Explanation of Solution

It is known that an increase in temperature results in an increase in the rate of a chemical reaction. So when the flame is provided to the gas then the energy from the flame allows the gas to stay and react at its activated complex and then only starts burning.