Order of reaction

Sometimes, the reaction rate can be written as : \mathbf{\textrm v=k.C_1^{n_1}.C_2^{n_2}...=k\displaystyle{\prod_i}C_i^{n_i}} In this case, the reaction is said to be of order. The exponents n1, n2, … are constants which are independent from concentrations and from time and they are called “partial orders of reaction”. ni is the partial order of reaction regarding the component i. The sum of the partial orders \mathbf{n=\displaystyle{\sum_i}n_i} is the total order of the reaction. If there is no ambiguity we just say order of reaction.

Source:Université en ligne Unisciel[1]

Note

The most common values of partial orders are 1 and 2. We also find fractionnal (½, 1/3, 2/3) or negative (-1) or even real values. When the speed doesn't depend on the concentration a reactant, the reaction is said to be of zero order in relation to this reactant.

  1. Université en ligne Unisciel

    Traduction par Unisciel