Prof. Dr. Larry AdamsAcademic, Author & Researcher

Chapter 9. Chemical Kinetics

Rate law: rate = k[A]ᵐ[B]ⁿ, where orders m and n are found experimentally, not from coefficients [2].

OrderIntegrated lawHalf-life
0[A] = [A]₀ − kt[A]₀/2k
1ln[A] = ln[A]₀ − kt0.693/k
21/[A] = 1/[A]₀ + kt1/k[A]₀

Collision theory and Arrhenius equation: k = A e^(−Eₐ/RT). Higher temperature, lower activation energy, and catalysts all increase rate; a catalyst provides a new pathway with lower Eₐ without being consumed [4][5].

Mechanisms are sequences of elementary steps; the slowest is the rate-determining step.

Review: A first-order reaction has k = 0.0231 min⁻¹. What is its half-life? (30 min.)