Question

Give three examples of first order reactions and state their rate expressions.

Answer 1

1. Decomposition of ethyl chloride:
   [\ce{C2H5Cl -> C2H4 + HCl}\] 
   Experimental rate law: Rate = k[C₂H₅Cl]
   Order of reaction = 1
2. Decomposition of ammonium nitrite:
   \[\ce{NH4NO2 -> N2 + 2H2O}\]
   Experimental rate law: Rate = k[NH₄NO₂]
   Order of reaction = 1
3. Decomposition of nitrogen pentoxide:
   \[\ce{N2O5 -> 2NO2 + \frac{1}{2} O2}\]
   Experimental rate law: Rate = k[N₂O₅]
   Order of reaction = 1