Consider the given graph showing variation of reactant concentration with time. Three different reactions were started with identical initial concentration of reactants. Which of the following statement is correct? [figure]
- The order of all the three reactions is same.
- The rate constant of reaction 3 is larger than the rate constant of reaction 2 if the order of reaction is same for both.
- The SI unit of rate constant of reaction 1 is s-1.
- Thermal decomposition of HI on gold surface is an example of reaction 2.
Answer
(2) The rate constant of reaction 3 is larger than the rate constant of reaction 2 if the order of reaction is same for both.
Solution
Curve 1 is a straight line ⇒ [R] = [R]0 - kt ⇒ zero order reaction.
Curves 2 and 3 fall exponentially ⇒ not zero order (e.g. first order, [R] = [R]0 e-kt).
(1) ✗ Reaction 1 differs in order from reactions 2 and 3.
(2) ✓ Same order and same [R]0, but [R] in curve 3 falls faster at every instant ⇒ larger rate ⇒ k3 > k2.
(3) ✗ For zero order, k = [R]0 - [R]t ⇒ unit = mol L-1 s-1 (SI: mol m-3 s-1), not s-1.
(4) ✗ Decomposition of HI on gold surface is a zero order reaction ⇒ it corresponds to reaction 1, not 2.
Answer: (2)