Rate Equations

Definitions-

• Rate constant- The constant of the proportionality in the rate expression.
• Rate determining step- The slowest step in the reaction mechanism. It governs the rate of the overall reaction.
• Rate expression- A mathematical expression showing how the rate of a chemical reaction depends on the concentrations of various chemical specie involved.

Orders-

• Zero order- The concentration of A has no effect on the rate of reaction.
• First order- The rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of A.
• Second order- The rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of A squared.

The rate constant-

• The units of K depend on the overall order of reaction.
• The value of K is independant of concentration and time. It is constant at a fixed temperature.
• The value of K refers to a specific temperature and it increases if we increase temperature.

Units of the rate constant-

• Units for the first order are s^1.
• 2nd order are mol dm^3.
• 3rd…