Question

How will the reaction rate change when the pH is altered?

a) An increase in pH will generally lead to a decrease in the reaction rate for acid-catalyzed reactions and an increase in the rate for base-catalyzed reactions.
b) A decrease in pH will generally lead to an increase in the reaction rate for acid-catalyzed reactions and a decrease in the rate for base-catalyzed reactions.
c) Changes in pH have no significant effect on reaction rates.
d) The effect of pH on reaction rates is unpredictable and varies depending on the specific reaction.

Answer 1

The reaction rate changes when the pH is altered. An increase in pH generally decreases the rate for acid-catalyzed reactions and increases the rate for base-catalyzed reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Effect of pH on Reaction Rate

The reaction rate can be altered by changing the pH of the solution. Generally, an increase in pH will lead to a decrease in the reaction rate for acid-catalyzed reactions and an increase in the rate for base-catalyzed reactions. Conversely, a decrease in pH will generally lead to an increase in the reaction rate for acid-catalyzed reactions and a decrease in the rate for base-catalyzed reactions.

For example, in acid-catalyzed reactions, such as the hydrolysis of esters, a higher pH (lower acidity) will result in a decrease in the reaction rate. On the other hand, in base-catalyzed reactions, such as the hydrolysis of amides, a higher pH (higher alkalinity) will result in an increase in the reaction rate.