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Reactivity (chemistry) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Fundamentals of Chemical Reactivity

Cheat Sheet:
Fundamentals of Chemical Reactivity Study Guide

Conceptualizing Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactivity is exclusively defined by a substance's propensity to undergo a chemical reaction, irrespective of any associated energy release.

Answer: False

Explanation: The comprehensive definition of chemical reactivity encompasses a substance's propensity to undergo chemical transformation, frequently accompanied by the release of energy. Consequently, defining it solely by the tendency to react, without regard to energy considerations, presents an incomplete characterization.

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The term reactivity encompasses solely the interactions occurring between two or more distinct substances.

Answer: False

Explanation: The concept of reactivity extends beyond interactions between multiple substances; it also includes the chemical behaviors and transformations of a single substance, such as its tendency to decompose.

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The chemical reactivity of a solitary substance is primarily manifested through its resistance to decomposition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reactivity of a single substance is observed not only in its resistance to decomposition but also in its tendency to undergo decomposition or to form new substances through combination with other reactants.

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Chemical stability and chemical compatibility are concepts entirely unrelated to chemical reactivity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chemical stability, which denotes a substance's resistance to change, and chemical compatibility, which pertains to the safe coexistence of substances, are closely related and relevant concepts to chemical reactivity.

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The statement 'substance X is reactive' generally implies that substance X readily undergoes reactions with a wide variety of common reagents.

Answer: True

Explanation: When a substance is described as 'reactive,' it typically signifies its propensity to engage in reactions with numerous common chemical agents under standard conditions.

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Chemical stability is defined as a substance's tendency to undergo change, while reactivity measures its resistance to change.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definitions are inverted: chemical stability refers to a substance's resistance to change, whereas reactivity denotes its tendency to undergo chemical change.

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A substance's tendency to remain in its current state is referred to as its chemical reactivity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tendency of a substance to remain in its current state is the definition of chemical stability, not chemical reactivity, which describes the propensity to undergo change.

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Chemical compatibility refers to the capacity of substances to be mixed or utilized together without inducing hazardous reactions.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement accurately defines chemical compatibility as the ability of substances to coexist or be combined without undesirable or dangerous chemical interactions.

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Chemical stability is defined as a substance's resistance to change or its inherent tendency to persist in its current state.

Answer: True

Explanation: This definition correctly identifies chemical stability as a measure of a substance's inertia or its inclination to maintain its existing form and composition.

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According to the source, what is the fundamental definition of chemical reactivity?

Answer: The tendency for a substance to undergo a chemical reaction, often releasing energy.

Explanation: The fundamental definition of chemical reactivity posits it as the tendency for a substance to undergo a chemical reaction, frequently accompanied by the release of energy.

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Which of the following aspects is NOT encompassed by the term chemical reactivity, according to the provided text?

Answer: The physical state (solid, liquid, gas) of a substance at standard temperature.

Explanation: While reactivity involves the tendency to undergo chemical reactions, study methods, reaction sets, and predictive theories, the physical state itself is not a direct component of the definition of reactivity.

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How does the chemical reactivity of a single substance manifest, based on the source?

Answer: By its tendency to decompose or form new substances through combination.

Explanation: The reactivity of a single substance is observed through its propensity to decompose or to combine with other reactants, leading to the formation of new chemical entities.

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According to the text, what is the relationship between chemical reactivity and chemical stability?

Answer: Reactivity is closely related to stability, which describes resistance to change.

Explanation: Reactivity and stability are inversely related concepts; reactivity signifies a tendency towards change, while stability denotes resistance to change.

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When a substance is described as 'reactive,' what does this commonly imply?

Answer: It readily reacts with a wide variety of common reagents.

Explanation: The common implication of a substance being labeled 'reactive' is its propensity to undergo reactions with a broad spectrum of frequently encountered chemical agents.

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How does the concept of chemical stability differ from reactivity?

Answer: Stability refers to resistance to change, while reactivity refers to the tendency to change.

Explanation: Chemical stability is characterized by resistance to change, whereas chemical reactivity is defined by the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical transformations.

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Which of the following is a related concept to chemical reactivity mentioned in the source?

Answer: Chemical kinetics

Explanation: Chemical kinetics, which studies reaction rates, is a closely related concept to chemical reactivity, as reactivity often implies the speed at which transformations occur.

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Factors Influencing Chemical Reactivity

Temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts are factors that do not influence a substance's chemical reactivity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts are indeed significant factors that demonstrably influence the chemical reactivity of a substance.

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Increasing the specific surface area of a compound, for instance by mechanical grinding, typically decreases its reactivity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Increasing the specific surface area of a compound, such as through grinding, generally enhances its reactivity by providing more sites for interaction.

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Electrons are most stable when they are unpaired and without other electrons in similar orbitals.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to quantum principles, electrons achieve greater stability when they are paired within orbitals or when orbitals are completely filled. Unpaired electrons in similar orbitals represent a less stable configuration.

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Impurities present within a compound never exert an influence on its chemical reactivity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The presence of impurities can significantly alter the chemical reactivity of a compound, potentially affecting its reaction rate and pathway.

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Which factor is explicitly mentioned in the source as influencing chemical reactivity?

Answer: The presence of catalysts.

Explanation: The presence of catalysts is explicitly cited as one of the key factors that influence and modify a substance's chemical reactivity.

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What physical property, when increased by grinding, enhances a compound's reactivity?

Answer: Specific surface area

Explanation: Increasing the specific surface area of a compound, for example, through mechanical grinding, leads to a greater extent of exposure for reaction, thereby enhancing its reactivity.

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Which electron configuration represents the MOST stable state according to quantum principles mentioned?

Answer: A set of orbitals that is completely filled.

Explanation: Quantum mechanical principles indicate that a completely filled set of orbitals represents the most stable electron configuration, followed by half-filled degenerate orbitals.

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How can the reactivity of a compound be influenced by its physical properties?

Answer: By factors like specific surface area and crystalline form.

Explanation: Physical properties such as specific surface area and crystalline form can significantly impact a compound's reactivity, influencing reaction rates and pathways.

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Theoretical Frameworks for Chemical Reactivity

The primary underlying cause of a compound's reactivity is its macroscopic physical form.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fundamental determinant of a compound's reactivity is primarily attributed to its sub-atomic properties, rather than its macroscopic physical form.

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Valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory are employed to elucidate the underlying causes of chemical reactivity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory are indeed foundational theoretical frameworks utilized to rationalize and explain the origins of chemical reactivity at the atomic and molecular levels.

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Quantum chemistry provides the most precise and in-depth understanding of the fundamental reasons behind chemical reactions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Quantum chemistry offers the most rigorous and detailed insights into the fundamental principles governing chemical reactions, particularly concerning electron behavior and molecular interactions.

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The activation strain model establishes a relationship between a reactant's rigidity and electronic structure and the magnitude of the reaction barrier.

Answer: True

Explanation: The activation strain model posits a direct correlation between the intrinsic properties of a reactant, such as its rigidity and electronic configuration, and the height of the activation energy barrier for a reaction.

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What is identified as the primary underlying cause of a compound's reactivity?

Answer: Its sub-atomic properties.

Explanation: The fundamental basis for a compound's reactivity is rooted in its sub-atomic characteristics, particularly the behavior and arrangement of its electrons.

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Which theories are mentioned as being used to rationalize the causes of chemical reactivity?

Answer: Valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory.

Explanation: Valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory are presented as key theoretical frameworks employed to explain the fundamental reasons behind chemical reactivity.

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According to the source, what offers the most in-depth and exact understanding of why chemical reactions occur?

Answer: Quantum chemistry

Explanation: Quantum chemistry provides the most comprehensive and precise framework for understanding the fundamental principles governing the occurrence of chemical reactions.

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What relationship does the activation strain model provide?

Answer: Between reactant rigidity/electronic structure and reaction barrier height.

Explanation: The activation strain model elucidates the relationship between a reactant's intrinsic properties, such as its structural rigidity and electronic configuration, and the magnitude of the activation energy barrier for a reaction.

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Reaction Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Reactivity is sometimes considered a vague concept due to its integration of both thermodynamic factors (energy changes) and kinetic factors (reaction speed).

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of reactivity is often deemed somewhat vague because it inherently combines thermodynamic considerations, concerning energy transformations, with kinetic considerations, pertaining to reaction rates.

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Focusing reactivity solely on reaction rates provides a less consistent perspective on the concept.

Answer: False

Explanation: Restricting the definition of reactivity to specifically refer to reaction rates offers a more consistent and precise understanding of the concept.

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A chemical reaction occurs because the products exist in a state of higher free energy than the reactants.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thermodynamically, chemical reactions proceed in a direction that leads to a decrease in free energy, meaning products exist in a state of lower free energy than the reactants for spontaneous reactions.

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The rate law of a chemical reaction is determined by the concentrations of the reaction products.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rate law of a chemical reaction quantitatively describes its dependence on the concentrations of the reactants, not the products.

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In the rate law Rate = k * [A], the symbol 'k' represents the molar concentration of reactant A.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the rate law expression Rate = k * [A], 'k' represents the reaction constant, which is a proportionality constant, not the concentration of reactant A.

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The reaction constant (k) is dependent on the concentrations of the reactants.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reaction constant (k) is generally independent of reactant concentrations; it is primarily dependent on factors such as temperature and pressure.

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For a reaction A + B -> C + D, the rate law is expressed as Rate = k * [A]^n * [B]^m, where n and m denote the reaction orders with respect to A and B, respectively.

Answer: True

Explanation: This expression accurately represents the rate law for a bimolecular reaction, where n and m are the reaction orders corresponding to reactants A and B, respectively.

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The rate-determining step in a multi-step chemical reaction is the fastest step.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rate-determining step, also known as the slowest step, dictates the overall reaction rate and is therefore the bottleneck, not the fastest step.

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The equilibrium point of a reaction is considered irrelevant when assessing a substance's chemical reactivity under specific conditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The equilibrium point, which indicates the extent to which a reaction proceeds, is a relevant factor when evaluating a substance's reactivity under specific circumstances.

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A chemical reaction occurs because the products achieve a state of lower free energy compared to the reactants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fundamental thermodynamic driving force for many chemical reactions is the transition to a state of lower free energy, signifying increased stability for the system.

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Why is reactivity sometimes described as a 'vague concept'?

Answer: Because it encompasses both thermodynamic and kinetic factors.

Explanation: Reactivity is sometimes considered vague because it conflates thermodynamic favorability (whether a reaction can occur) with kinetic factors (how rapidly it occurs), both of which are influenced by various conditions.

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How can reactivity be viewed more consistently, according to the source?

Answer: By restricting the term to refer specifically to reaction rates.

Explanation: A more consistent perspective on reactivity is achieved by defining it specifically in terms of the rates at which chemical reactions proceed.

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What is the fundamental thermodynamic reason for a chemical reaction to occur?

Answer: The reaction leads to a state of lower free energy for the products.

Explanation: Thermodynamically, reactions proceed spontaneously when they result in a decrease in the system's free energy, leading to a more stable state for the products relative to the reactants.

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The rate law for a chemical reaction mathematically describes the relationship between the reaction rate and what?

Answer: The concentrations of the reactants.

Explanation: A rate law quantitatively expresses how the speed of a chemical reaction is dependent upon the molar concentrations of the reacting species.

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In the rate law Rate = k * [A]^n * [B]^m, what do 'n' and 'm' represent?

Answer: The reaction orders with respect to reactants A and B.

Explanation: In this rate law formulation, 'n' and 'm' signify the reaction orders with respect to reactants A and B, respectively, indicating how changes in their concentrations affect the reaction rate.

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What is the role of the reaction constant (k) in a rate law?

Answer: It is a proportionality constant specific to reaction conditions.

Explanation: The reaction constant (k) serves as a proportionality constant within the rate law, specific to a given set of reaction conditions, typically temperature and pressure.

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What is the fundamental thermodynamic driving force for a chemical reaction?

Answer: Moving towards a state of lower free energy.

Explanation: The primary thermodynamic driving force for chemical reactions is the tendency of systems to transition towards states of lower free energy, which corresponds to increased stability.

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Illustrative Examples of Chemical Reactivity

The chemical reactivity of alkali metals generally diminishes as one progresses down their respective group in the periodic table.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to this assertion, the chemical reactivity of alkali metals typically increases as one moves down the periodic table group.

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Hydrogen spontaneously reacts with oxygen at ambient temperatures due to a very large equilibrium constant.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the equilibrium constant for the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is indeed large, the reaction does not occur spontaneously at room temperature; it requires an initiator, such as a flame, to overcome the activation energy barrier.

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A lone hydrogen atom becomes less stable when it forms an H₂ molecule.

Answer: False

Explanation: A lone hydrogen atom achieves greater stability upon forming an H₂ molecule, as this allows its electron to pair up, resulting in a more stable electron configuration and the release of energy.

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Carbon almost invariably forms four bonds because its ground-state valence electron configuration is fully filled.

Answer: False

Explanation: Carbon forms four bonds due to its half-filled valence electron configuration (2s²2p²), which readily undergoes sp³ hybridization to achieve a highly stable, fully-filled set of four equivalent orbitals, rather than its ground state being fully filled.

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The activation energy barrier for carbon forming four bonds is exceptionally high.

Answer: False

Explanation: The formation of four bonds by carbon, through sp³ hybridization, involves a negligible activation energy barrier due to the significant energy released, making it a highly favorable process.

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Which statement accurately reflects the common assertion about alkali metals' reactivity based on their periodic table position?

Answer: Reactivity increases as you move down the group.

Explanation: The general trend observed for alkali metals is that their chemical reactivity increases significantly as one progresses down the periodic table group.

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The assertion that hydrogen reacts with oxygen is an oversimplification because:

Answer: An initiator like a flame is needed to start the reaction.

Explanation: Despite a favorable equilibrium, the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen requires a significant activation energy, necessitating an external initiator such as a flame to commence the process.

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Why does carbon almost invariably form four bonds?

Answer: Forming four bonds leads to a highly stable, fully-filled orbital configuration (sp³ hybridization).

Explanation: Carbon's consistent formation of four bonds is attributed to its ability to undergo sp³ hybridization, resulting in a highly stable, fully-filled set of four equivalent orbitals and significant energy release.

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