Rate Constant for First Order Reaction using Reactant Concentration for Mixed Flow Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ k' = \frac{1}{\tau_{mixed}} \times \frac{(C_o - C)}{C} \]

Space Time in Mixed Flow (τ):

Initial Reactant Concentration (C₀):

mol/m³

Reactant Concentration at Time (C):

mol/m³

Rate Constant for First Order Reaction (k'):

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1. What is Rate Constant for First Order Reaction?

Definition: The rate constant for a first-order reaction is defined as the rate of the reaction divided by the concentration of the reactant.

Purpose: This calculator determines the rate constant for first-order reactions in mixed flow reactors based on reactant concentrations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ k' = \frac{1}{\tau_{mixed}} \times \frac{(C_o - C)}{C} \]

Where:

\( k' \) — Rate constant for first order reaction (s⁻¹)
\( \tau_{mixed} \) — Space time in mixed flow (seconds)
\( C_o \) — Initial reactant concentration (mol/m³)
\( C \) — Reactant concentration at given time (mol/m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates how quickly the reactant is being consumed in a mixed flow reactor.

3. Importance of Rate Constant Calculation

Details: Knowing the rate constant helps in reactor design, process optimization, and predicting reaction behavior under different conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the space time in seconds, initial reactant concentration, and current reactant concentration. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is space time in mixed flow?
A: Space time is the time necessary to process volume of reactor fluid at the entrance conditions.

Q2: What units should I use for concentrations?
A: The calculator uses mol/m³, but any consistent concentration units will work as long as C₀ and C use the same units.

Q3: What does a higher rate constant indicate?
A: A higher rate constant means the reaction proceeds faster at a given reactant concentration.

Q4: Can this be used for second-order reactions?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for first-order reactions. Different equations apply for other reaction orders.

Q5: How does temperature affect the rate constant?
A: Rate constants typically increase with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation, but this calculator doesn't account for temperature effects.