A rate law is 1/2 order with respect to a reactant. Describe (quantitatively) what happens to the rate of reaction when the concentration of this reactant is doubled.

Question

A rate law is 1/2 order with respect to a reactant. Describe (quantitatively) what happens to the rate of reaction when the concentration of this reactant is doubled.

Answer 1

Where to start:

1. Rate law equation looks like this: Rate = k[A]^x
2. k = constant
3. [A] = reactant concentration
4. x = order
5. If it is 1/2 order it should look like this: Rate = k[A]^1/2
6. Replace [A] with '2' since the reactant is doubled
7. Rate = k[2]^1/2
8. Ignore the k since it is constant, and solve 2^1/2
9. Rate = 1.41 or sqrt(2) this means the rate is changed by a factor of 1.41

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