Solve Kinetics Question: Zero Order Reaction at High Pressure

  • Thread starter Thread starter mooncrater
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Kinetics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the order of a reaction at high pressure, specifically focusing on a rate law that describes the decomposition of a gas on a surface. Participants explore the implications of pressure and the constant k on the reaction order, examining the conditions under which the reaction can be considered zero order.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assumption that at high pressure, ##kP>>>1##, arguing that without knowing the value of k, it is possible for ##kP## to be much less than 1, which would contradict the conclusion of zero order.
  • Another participant asserts that regardless of the value of k, at sufficiently high pressure, the reaction order will approach zero.
  • A later reply emphasizes that while it is established that increasing pressure leads to a zero order reaction, the specific value of k remains significant when considering the rate law ##\frac {kP}{1+kP}## at lower pressures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the importance of the constant k in determining the reaction order at high pressure. While some argue that high pressure guarantees a zero order reaction, others maintain that the value of k is crucial in certain contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependency of the reaction order on the pressure and the constant k, with unresolved assumptions about the values of these variables affecting the conclusions drawn.

mooncrater
Messages
215
Reaction score
18

Homework Statement


The question says:
The decomposition of a gas on a surface follows the rate law : Rate is proportional to ##\frac {kP}{1+kP}##, where ##P## is the pressure and ##k## is a constant. Find the order of the reaction at high pressure.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


In the solution they have said that since ##P## is high therefore ##kP>>>1## due to which rate is proportional to ##\frac {kP}{kP}=1## which means the rate is a constant so it is a zero order reaction. What I say is that since they don't known the value of ##k## how can they come to the conclusion that ##kP>>>1##? If we assume k to be equal to a very very small number such that ##1>>>kP## then their assumption fails, and the rate is not a constant.
So am I right about this thing or making a mistake?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If doesn't matter what the value of k is. If you take a high enough pressure, the order will approach zero.

chet
 
Chestermiller said:
If doesn't matter what the value of k is. If you take a high enough pressure, the order will approach zero.

chet
But if we leave that proven part (I. e if pressure is increased order will tend towards zero) and use only this :
Rate is proportional to $$\frac {kP}{1+kP} $$
Then isn't the value of ##k## important?
 
mooncrater said:
But if we leave that proven part (I. e if pressure is increased order will tend towards zero) and use only this :
Rate is proportional to $$\frac {kP}{1+kP} $$
Then isn't the value of ##k## important?
Sure. At pressures less than on the order of 1/k.

Chet
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mooncrater

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K