All Flashcards
What are the steps to experimentally determine a rate law?
- Run multiple trials. 2. Vary initial concentrations of reactants. 3. Measure the initial rate for each trial. 4. Analyze how changes in concentration affect the rate.
What is the definition of a rate law?
A mathematical expression showing how the rate of a chemical reaction depends on the concentration of reactants.
What is the definition of reaction rate?
How fast reactants turn into products.
What is the definition of a rate constant?
A proportionality constant (k) specific to the reaction at a given temperature.
What is the definition of the order of a reaction?
The exponent (n) to which a reactant's concentration is raised in the rate law; determined experimentally.
What is the definition of an elementary reaction?
A reaction that occurs in a single step, involving either a single molecule or a group of molecules colliding in a single event.
What is the effect of doubling the concentration of a reactant in a first-order reaction?
The reaction rate doubles.
What is the effect of doubling the concentration of a reactant in a second-order reaction?
The reaction rate quadruples.
What is the effect of increasing the temperature on the rate constant k?
The rate constant k generally increases, leading to a faster reaction rate.