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Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics
Chapter 14, Problem 160

You may have been told not to mix bleach and ammonia. The reason is that bleach (sodium hypochlorite) reacts with ammonia to produce toxic chloramines, such as NH2Cl. For example, in basic solution: OCl-1aq2 + NH31aq2S OH-1aq2 + NH2Cl1aq2 (a) The following initial rate data for this reaction were obtained in basic solution at 25 °C What is the rate law for the reaction? What is the numerical value of the rate constant k, including the correct units?
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insert step 1: Identify the general form of the rate law for the reaction. The rate law is typically expressed as: rate = k [OCl^-]^m [NH3]^n, where k is the rate constant, and m and n are the orders of the reaction with respect to OCl^- and NH3, respectively.
insert step 2: Use the initial rate data provided in the table to determine the reaction orders m and n. This involves comparing the rates of reaction when the concentration of one reactant is changed while the other is held constant.
insert step 3: Calculate the order of the reaction with respect to OCl^- by comparing experiments where the concentration of NH3 is constant. Use the formula: (rate1/rate2) = ([OCl^-]_1/[OCl^-]_2)^m.
insert step 4: Calculate the order of the reaction with respect to NH3 by comparing experiments where the concentration of OCl^- is constant. Use the formula: (rate1/rate2) = ([NH3]_1/[NH3]_2)^n.
insert step 5: Once the orders m and n are determined, use any set of experimental data to solve for the rate constant k. Substitute the known values of rate, [OCl^-], and [NH3] into the rate law and solve for k, ensuring the units are consistent.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rate Law

The rate law of a chemical reaction expresses the relationship between the reaction rate and the concentration of reactants. It is typically formulated as rate = k[A]^m[B]^n, where k is the rate constant, and m and n are the orders of the reaction with respect to reactants A and B. Understanding the rate law is crucial for predicting how changes in concentration affect the speed of the reaction.
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Rate Constant (k)

The rate constant (k) is a proportionality factor in the rate law that is specific to a given reaction at a particular temperature. It reflects the intrinsic speed of the reaction and is influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of catalysts. The units of k vary depending on the overall order of the reaction, making it essential to determine the correct units when calculating k.
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Reaction Order

The reaction order is the sum of the exponents in the rate law and indicates how the rate of reaction depends on the concentration of reactants. It can be determined experimentally and can be zero, first, second, or higher. Knowing the reaction order helps in understanding the mechanism of the reaction and how different concentrations will affect the rate.
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(a) Use the pressure data to determine the value of the rate constant in units of atm⁻¹ s⁻¹. (b) What is the rate constant in the usual units of M⁻¹ s⁻¹?