The rate of a second-order reaction is directly proportional to either the square of the concentration of a single reactant or the product of the concentrations of two reactants
Rate = k[A]^2 or Rate = k[A][B]
The reaction order can be 2 or 1+1
The rate constant (k) is specific to the reaction and temperature
Example: The reaction between iodine and bromine in the presence of a catalyst follows second-order kinetics
Reaction Rate and Collision Theory
The collision theory explains how chemical reactions occur and the factors that influence reaction rates
According to the collision theory, for a reaction to occur, particles must collide with sufficient energy (activation energy) and in proper orientation
Increasing the concentration, temperature, or surface area of reactants increases the frequency of collisions, enhancing reaction rates
Catalysts provide an alternate pathway with lower activation energy, facilitating more successful collisions.
Applications of Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis
Treatment of bacterial infections
Prevention of bacterial growth and spread
Use in combination therapy for more effective treatment
Targeting specific bacterial strains or infections
Development of new antibiotics with increased efficacy and reduced resistance
Limitations of Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis
Ineffectiveness against certain types of bacteria
Potential side effects and allergies
Development of antibiotic resistance
Interference with the natural balance of microbial communities
Overuse and misuse leading to reduced efficacy
Antibiotic Resistance and Mechanisms
Inherent resistance due to differences in cell wall composition among different bacteria
Acquisition of resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer
Mutation in target enzymes or receptors
Increased efflux of antibiotics from bacterial cells
Production of antibiotic-degrading enzymes
Prevention of Antibiotic Resistance
Rational use of antibiotics
Compliance with prescribed dosage and treatment duration
Avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic use
Proper hygiene practices to prevent infection
Development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments
Introduction to Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is the study of the interaction between electricity and chemical reactions
It involves the transfer of electrons (redox reactions) between reactants
Oxidation occurs at the anode (electron loss) and reduction occurs at the cathode (electron gain)
The driving force of these reactions is the electrical potential difference or voltage between the electrodes
Electrochemical Cells
Electrochemical cells consist of two half-cells connected by a conducting material
A half-cell contains an electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution
The half-cell with the oxidation reaction is the anode, and the one with the reduction reaction is the cathode
Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit, generating an electric current
Types of Electrochemical Cells
Galvanic (voltaic) cells:
Spontaneous redox reactions
Produce electrical energy
Anode is negatively charged and cathode is positively charged
Electrolytic cells:
Non-spontaneous redox reactions
Require an external power source (battery) to drive the reaction
Anode is positively charged and cathode is negatively charged
Concentration cells:
Involve the same species in different concentrations as the redox couple
Difference in concentration drives the reaction
Standard Reduction Potentials
The tendency of a substance to gain or lose electrons during a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction is represented by its standard reduction potential (E°)
Standard reduction potentials are measured with respect to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)
More positive E° value indicates a stronger tendency to gain electrons (better oxidizing agent), while more negative E° value indicates a stronger tendency to lose electrons
Nernst Equation
The Nernst equation relates the cell potential (Ecell) to the concentrations of reactants and products
Nernst equation for a galvanic cell:
Ecell = E°cell - (0.0592 V/n) log(Q)
where E°cell is the standard cell potential,
n is the number of electrons transferred in the balanced redox reaction,
Q is the reaction quotient (concentrations of species involved)
The Nernst equation helps determine the cell potential under non-standard conditions
Industrial Applications of Electrochemistry
Electroplating for coating objects with a layer of metal
Electrorefining for purifying metals
Production of chemicals like chlorine and sodium hydroxide using electrolytic cells
Batteries and fuel cells for portable power supply