Question

The rate law for the decomposition of N₂O₅ is Rate = k [N₂O₅].

What is the significance of k in this equation?

Answer 1

the rate law:

Rate = k[N₂O₅]

The constant k is called the rate constant (or specific rate constant).

Significance of k:

1. It determines the speed of the reaction; higher k means a faster reaction.
2. It is independent of the concentration of reactants but depends on temperature and the presence of a catalyst.
3. Its unit depends on the order of the reaction. For a first-order reaction, the unit of k is s⁻¹.