For a reversible reaction R P, at constant temperature, both the forward and the backward reactions are first order elementary reactions with rate constants kf and kb, respectively. At time zero, the concentration of R is [R]0 and the concentration of P is zero. At any given time, [R] and [P] are the concentrations of R and P, respectively. If kb = 4kf, the correct graphical representation of the reaction is
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Answer
(3) [figure]
Solution
At equilibrium the forward and backward rates are equal: kf[R]eq = kb[P]eq
[P]eq[R]eq = kfkb = 14
With [R]+[P] = [R]0: [P]eq/[R]0 = 0.2 and [R]eq/[R]0 = 0.8
Both curves level off exponentially at these values (with [P] starting from 0), as shown in graph (C).
Answer: (C)