Chemistry: Writing Rate Law from Rate Constant & Order

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concepts of pseudo rate constants and rate laws in the context of a chemical reaction involving food dye and bleach. Participants seek clarification on how to write the rate law based on their experimental findings and the implications of using pseudo rate constants.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the difference between pseudo rate constant (k') and rate constant (k), indicating confusion about their roles in the rate law.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about how to eliminate the "prime" aspect of k' to derive the value of k for the rate law.
  • A participant questions the understanding of what a pseudo rate constant is, suggesting it is essential for solving the problem.
  • One participant suggests that without understanding the pseudo rate constant, solving the problem may not be feasible, implying the need for a solid grasp of the concept.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant found the answer in their textbook, suggesting that self-study may resolve their confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a lack of consensus on the understanding and application of pseudo rate constants and how they relate to the rate law. Multiple viewpoints exist regarding the necessity of understanding these concepts to solve the problem effectively.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and implications of pseudo rate constants and their application in writing rate laws, indicating potential gaps in understanding that may affect their ability to formulate the rate law correctly.

JameB
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Homework Statement
So I'm doing a lab report on the reaction of food dye with bleach. I have a couple of questions:

1) What's the difference between pseudo rate constant and rate constant?? (i.e. k' vs. k)

2) How do I write the rate law for this reaction? I graphed the data and found the reaction order with respect to dye to be 1 and then comparing the changes in k' with respect to the changes in bleach concentrations revealed that the order with respect to bleach was also 1. The pseudo rate constant was 0.1669 (the average slope of all the trials).

How do I go about writing the rate law? In the explanation it says that the rate law simplifies to Rate = k'[D]^m (where D is the dye) because there is a large excess of bleach present.

The attempt at a solution

I think the rate law should be Rate = k[D][OCN-]

But I'm not sure if the pseudo rate constant can be just substituted as k. and the partial orders for each should be 1 because that's what I found the orders with respect to Dye and OCN ions. Is that correct?
 
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I have a similar inquiry in which I was able to find the order of the reactants and want to plug them into the rate law formula, but don't know how to eliminate the "prime" aspect of k' to just get the value of k alone.

Anyone out there have a suggestion?
 
Do you know what a pseudo rate constant is?
 
I do not. Although I think I may have answered my own question. :)
 
If you don't know what it is, there is no way to solve the problem. Unless you just played with the numbers till the result fit the key - but this is hardly "solving".
 
nvm, I got the answer by reading more of my textbook :P
 

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