Question
What is meant by the ‘rate constant’ K of a reaction? If the concentration be expressed in mol L–1 units and time in seconds, what would be the units for K
(i) for a zero order reaction
(ii) for a first order reaction?
Solution
Rate constant: Rate constant is a proportionality constant in the experimentally determined rate law. For a chemical reaction
The rate constant of a reaction is defined as the rate of reaction when concentration of reactant is unity, e.g. 1 mol L–1.
(i) For a zero order reaction: mol L–1 sec–1.
(ii) For a first order reaction: sec–1.
The rate constant of a reaction is defined as the rate of reaction when concentration of reactant is unity, e.g. 1 mol L–1.
(i) For a zero order reaction: mol L–1 sec–1.
(ii) For a first order reaction: sec–1.
