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.