Question
(a)Show graphically how the rate of a first order reaction with only one reactant depends upon the concentration of the reactant.
(b) Give one example of a first order reaction.
Solution
(a)The rate i.e., dx / dt depends on the concentration of the reactant. Let dx / dt = k[A]1.
On taking log
On plotting log dx / dt versus log A is always a straight line with slope equal to 1.
(b) Example of a first order reaction.
Decomposition of nitrogen pentoxide (N2O5)
Hydrogenation of ethene is an example of first order reaction.
C2H4(g) + H2 (g) → C2H6(g)
Rate = k [C2H4]
