Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Here are some numbers: , , , , and . (a) Which of them can be the molecularity of an elementary step? (b) Which of them can be the order of a reaction? Give a reason for each choice.
Molecularity is the number of particles that collide in an elementary step, and it is 1, 2 or 3. For an elementary step the rate law follows from the equation. For a complex reaction, the rate law is that of the slow step, the rate-determining step.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
(a) Molecularity. The possible values are , and . Particles are counted, so the number is whole, and at least one particle must take part. A meeting of four particles at once is so unlikely that no such step is known.
(b) Order. All six numbers are possible. The order is the sum of the powers in an experimental rate law. A power may be zero, a whole number or a fraction. Examples: order for a reaction on a surface that is already full, order for a reaction with a rate law such as .
Answer: molecularity can be , or . Order can be any of the six.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…