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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper I covers physical and inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2025 · Paper I

Q5(a). Activation energy from two rate constants

Question

The gas-phase reaction between methane (CH₄) and diatomic sulphur (S₂) is given by CH₄(g) + 2S₂(g) → CS₂(g) + 2H₂S(g). At 823 K, the rate constant for this reaction is 1.1 × 10⁻³ m³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and at 898 K, the rate constant is 6.4 × 10⁻³ m³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. Calculate the activation energy for this reaction. Given: R = 8.3145 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹.

Answer in brief

Ea = 144 kJ mol⁻¹.

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CoversArrhenius equationactivation energytemperature dependence of rate constantpre-exponential factor