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Consider a second-order reaction in which reactant A decomposes according to the

ID: 726953 • Letter: C

Question

Consider a second-order reaction in which reactant A decomposes according to the chemical equation:
2A---> products.

The data given below is the time, in minutes, and the corresponding change in the concentration of reactant A for this reaction:

t (min) [A]t(M)
0.00 0.500
20.0 0.382
40.0 0.310
60.0 0.260
80.0 0.224

For a second-order reaction, the rate constant k is the slope of the graph of 1/[A] versus t. Based on this information and the data given, calculate the rate constant k for the reaction.

Express your answer in (M*-1)(min*-1) to three significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

t (min) [A]t(M) [A]t(M-1)
0.00 0.500 2.00
20.0 0.382 2.62
40.0 0.310 3.23
60.0 0.260 3.85
80.0 0.224 4.46

the best fit line for the process(via Excel) is

(1/[A]) = 0.0308t + 2

slope = K = 0.0308 M-1min-1