Journal Entry:

Which of the following is an accurate statement about reaction order?
(A) Reaction order must be a whole number
(B) Reaction order can be determined mathematically using only coefficients of the balanced reaction equation.
(C) Reaction order changes with temperature.
(D) Reaction order can only be determined experimentally.

Learning Intentions

• We will learn how to analyze concentration vs time data to determine the rate law for zeroth, first and second order reaction. 

• We will learn how to calculate rate constant and its unit.

• We will learn how to determine rate law for multipstep processes.

• We will learn about reaction intermediates and the role they play in a multistep process.

• We will learn the two forms of integrated rate laws which can be used to determine concentration of a reactant at any given time during a reaction.

Closing Task:

You can determine the concentration of a reactant at any given time during a reaction using the integrated rate law equations.

Content Standards being covered:

Catalysts function by lowering the activation energy of an elementary step in a reaction mechanism, and by providing a new and faster reaction mechanism. (E.K. 4.D.1)

The rate law shows how the rate depends on reactants concentrations. (E.K. 4.A.2)

Elementary reactions can be unimolecular or involve collisions between two or more molecules. (E.K. 4.B.1)

The mechanisms of a multipstep reaction consists of a series of elementary reactions that add up to the overall reaction. (E.K.4.C.1)

In many reactions, the rate is set by the slowest elementary reaction, or rate limiting step. (E.K. 4.C.2)

Reaction intermediates which are formed during the reaction but not present in the overall reaction, play an important role in multistep reactions. (E.K. 4.C.3)