What's the derivation of the 'Kinetic Equation' in Chemical kinetics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation and understanding of the 'Kinetic Equation' in chemical kinetics, specifically the expression for reaction speed in terms of reactant concentrations. Participants explore theoretical foundations and interpretations of the equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that for a first-order reaction, the rate is proportional to the concentration of a single molecular species, while for a second-order reaction, the rate depends on the frequency of encounters between two species, which relates to the product of their concentrations.
  • Another participant questions whether the kinetic equation was initially proposed and then experimentally validated, suggesting a historical perspective on the development of the formula.
  • A later reply confirms the understanding that the formula was indeed proposed and subsequently supported by experimental evidence, though this is not elaborated upon in detail.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between reaction order and concentration, but there is no consensus on the historical development of the kinetic equation, as the question of its initial proposal and experimental validation is raised without a definitive answer.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specifics of the derivation process or the historical context of the kinetic equation, leaving these aspects open for further exploration.

Ale_Rodo
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Hi,

I'm following an introduction course to chemistry and I am reviewing the chapter on Chemical kinetics.
It's shown that the reaction speed for a certain component of a general chemical equation such as aA +bB <-> cC + dD , might be expressed as v = k[A]m[ B]m.

I was wondering where it does come from. It's just plain curiosity, I don't really need to know this for the upcoming exam but I would really appreciate if someone could give a rigorous derivation or a 'sense-full' logic interpretation of said formula.

Thank you in advance.
 
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It goes something like this: For a first order reaction involving a single molecular species, the reaction rate has to be proportional to the amount of the species, as represented by its concentration. For a 2nd order reaction, involving interaction of two molecular species, the rate of the reaction depends on the frequency of encounters between the two species, which is proportional to the product of their concentrations.
 
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Was the formula first supposed like that and the experimentally proved?
 
Ale_Rodo said:
Was the formula first supposed like that and the experimentally proved?
If I understand your question correctly, then, pretty much yes.
 
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Chestermiller said:
If I understand your question correctly, then, pretty much yes.
Fair enough this time, thanks!
 

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