5.1.1- How Fast? Flashcards
Define order (with respect to a reactant)
The power to which the concentration terms of reactants are raised to in a rate equation (determined experimentally)
Define rate of reaction
The change in concentration of a reactant or product per unit time
Define the rate constant
The constant of proportionality that links the rate of reaction with the concentrations of the reactants raised to their orders (powers)
Define half-life
The time taken for the concentration of a reactant to fall to half its original value
How does half life vary with time for a zero order reactant?
It decreases
How does half life vary with time for a 1st order reactant?
It is constant (and is independent of concentration)
How does half life vary with time for a 2nd order reactant?
It increases
Define the rate determining step
The slowest step in a multistep reaction mechanism (and determines the rate of reaction)
