For the chemical reaction A → C, a plot of 1/[A]_t versus time was found to give a straight line with a positive slope. What is the order of reaction? A) Zeroth B) First C) Second D) Third E) Such a plot cannot reveal the order of the reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The plot of 1/[A] versus time giving a straight line with a positive slope indicates a second-order reaction. This is because for a second-order reaction, the rate law can be expressed as rate = k[A]^2, and integrating this rate law gives an equation that, when rearranged, shows that 1/[A] is linearly related to time.

For the Chemical Reaction a → C, a Plot of 1/[A]t

For the Chemical Reaction a → C, a Plot of 1/[A]_t