The tabulated data were collected for this reaction at a certain temperature: X₂Y → 2 X + Y a. Determine the order of the reaction and the value of the rate constant at this temperature.

Key Concepts

Reaction Order

The order of a reaction refers to the power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate law. It indicates how the rate of reaction depends on the concentration of reactants. For example, a first-order reaction depends linearly on the concentration of one reactant, while a second-order reaction depends on the square of the concentration. Understanding the reaction order is crucial for determining how changes in concentration affect the reaction rate.

Rate Law

The rate law is an equation that relates the rate of a chemical reaction to the concentration of its reactants. It is typically expressed in the form 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, respectively. The rate law is determined experimentally and is essential for calculating the rate constant and understanding the kinetics of the reaction.

Rate Constant (k)

The rate constant, denoted as k, is a proportionality factor in the rate law that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature. It reflects the speed of the reaction; a larger k indicates a faster reaction. The value of k can be determined from experimental data and is influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of catalysts. Understanding k is vital for predicting how quickly a reaction will proceed under specific conditions.