CHEM 1515 Spring 2003
Extra Credit Research Project
Your assignment is to determine the reaction mechanism for the reaction,
H2(g) + Br2(g) ---> 2HBr(g)
You are to propose a set of steps, elementary reactions, that
will convert the reactants to the products. In class last friday we discussed
this reaction and looked at the simulation
of the reaction. You are welcome to use the simulation to investigate the
reactions and to determine the best mechanism for the conversion of reactants
to products.
The reaction mechanism consists of a series of steps (simple
reactions). You should test each simple step by using the simulation to set
up the reaction. Follow the reaction and see what the products of the reaction
are. You need to do several such experiments to arrive at the best mechanism
for the reaction. If you are not sure what the term 'reaction mechanism' means
look it up in your textbook.
This is not an easy project. Your conclusions must be supported
by evidence obtained from the simulation. The number of extra credit points
you receive will depend on the quality and the correctness of your results.
You need to write up your explanation, along with a description of the experiments
you performed with the simulation software and the conclusions you reached.
If you have any questions please contact Dr. G. I expect you
to do the project on your own.
You are should not be offering assistance to anyone, or should
you request assistance. If I feel that collaboration has occurred I will talk
to the students involved.