Chapter 16.3, Problem 23SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The depiction of rate law about a chemical reaction needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The relationship between rate of a chemical reaction and concentration of reactants is expressed by rate law. Rate law is written using the concentration of reactants, each raised to a power which is experimentally determined. and the rate constant k.

Answer to Problem 23SSC

Speed, stoichimetry and spontaneity of the reactions towards reactant or product can be known from the rate law.

Explanation of Solution

For an one step reaction such as $a\text{A}\to b\text{B}$, rate law is expressed by the product of concentration of reactants each raised to a power which is experimentally determined and the rate constant k.

$\text{Rate=}k{[\text{A}]}^a$

A rate law indicates the spontaneity of reaction towards the reactants or products. It also gives the idea of speed in which the reaction takes place and stoichiometry.

Conclusion

The rate law is a mathematical relationship which is experimentally determined that relates speed of reaction to the concentration of reactants.