Order of Reaction
| Formula / Notation | r = k[A]^m[B]^n |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Reaction order, kinetic order, rate law exponent, overall reaction order |
What is Order of Reaction?
The power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the experimentally determined rate law. Overall order is the sum of individual orders. Zero order: rate independent of concentration. First order: rate proportional to concentration. Determined from experimental data.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Reaction order, kinetic order, rate law exponent, overall reaction order
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
The power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the experimentally determined rate law. Overall order is the sum of individual orders. Zero order: rate independent of concentration. First order: rate proportional to concentration. Determined from experimental data.
Reaction order is used in: predicting how concentration changes affect rate (important for reactor design), calculating half-lives of radioactive decay (always first-order: t₁/₂ = 0.693/k), pharmacokinetics (first-order drug elimination gives predictable half-life), and in kinetic modelling of indus…
Zero-order reactions (rate constant, regardless of concentration) can be deceptive — doubling concentration does not double the reaction time but rate stays constant; however, if concentration suddenly increases (e.g., liquid spill into a zero-order surface reaction), the reaction continues at full …
The formula or notation for Order of Reaction is: r = k[A]^m[B]^n