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Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics
Chapter 14, Problem 41

Consider the data showing the initial rate of a reaction (A → products) at several different concentrations of A. What is the order of the reaction? Write a rate law for the reaction including the value of the rate constant, k.

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<Step 1: Understand the rate law equation. The rate law for a reaction A → products is generally expressed as rate = k[A]^n, where k is the rate constant, [A] is the concentration of reactant A, and n is the order of the reaction with respect to A.>
<Step 2: Analyze the data provided. Look at how the initial rate of the reaction changes as the concentration of A changes. This will help determine the order of the reaction.>
<Step 3: Determine the reaction order. If the rate doubles when [A] doubles, the reaction is first order (n=1). If the rate quadruples when [A] doubles, the reaction is second order (n=2). If the rate remains unchanged when [A] changes, the reaction is zero order (n=0).>
<Step 4: Write the rate law. Once the order n is determined, write the rate law as rate = k[A]^n.>
<Step 5: Calculate the rate constant k. Use one set of data (concentration and rate) to solve for k in the rate law equation.>