3. Chemical kinetics
Chemical kinetics focuses on the rates of chemical reactions and the factors influencing these rates. It includes concepts such as average and instantaneous rates, the rate law, molecularity, and the impact of temperature and catalysts on reaction speeds. Understanding these principles aids in the practical application of chemistry in processes like pharmaceuticals and industrial reactions.
Enroll to start learning
You've not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Sections
Navigate through the learning materials and practice exercises.
What we have learnt
- Chemical reactions can be fast or slow, and the rate can be defined as the change in concentration of reactants or products over time.
- The rate law, which can be determined experimentally, relates the rate of a reaction to the concentrations of reactants and includes a rate constant.
- The order and molecularity of a reaction provide insights into the reaction mechanism and the relationship between reactants.
Key Concepts
- -- Rate of Reaction
- The change in concentration of a reactant or product over time, often expressed in terms of moles per liter per second.
- -- Rate Law
- An equation that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants, expressed as Rate = k[A]^x[B]^y where k is the rate constant and x and y are reaction orders.
- -- Molecularity
- The number of reactant molecules involved in an elementary reaction, which can be unimolecular, bimolecular, or termolecular.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.