Web Analytics

When the reaction

CH3Cl(g) + H2O(g) →CH3OH(g) + HCl(g)


Was studied, the tabulated data were obtained. Based on thesedata, what are the reaction orders?


Initial Concentrations, M; Initial Rates,Ms-1


Exp CH3Cl H2O Rate, Ms-1


1 0.100 0.100 0.182


2 0.200 0.200 1.45


3 0.200 0.400 5.81

ACH3Cl: firstorder H2O:first order

BCH3Cl: second order H2O: first order

CCH3Cl: firstorder H2O: second order

DCH3Cl: second order H2O: second order

Please EXPLAIN your answer.

Verified Answer :

We can express the rate equation in this form:
-r = k A^n B^m

where -r is the rate
k is the rate constant,
A is the concentration of CH3Cl
n is the order with respect to CH3Cl
B is the concentration of H2O
m is the order with respect to H2O

We can solve this by trial and error or by calculus. The first method is easier. The rate constant does not depend on the concentration of the reactant. Assume values of n and m and solve for k in each experiment. The only option that gives really close values of k in each experiment is:
C. CH3Cl: firstorder H2O: second order