Question

What is the significance of rate constant in the rate expression?

Answer 1

1. Measures reaction speed: A higher value of k indicates a faster reaction, while a lower value indicates a slower reaction.
2. Specific to each reaction: It is unique for a given reaction at a particular temperature.
3. Temperature dependent: The value of k generally increases with temperature, as described by the Arrhenius equation.
4. Determines rate units: The units of k vary with the order of reaction. For example:
   1. First-order: s⁻¹
   2. Second-order: mol⁻¹ L s⁻¹