Rate Constant Formula:
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Definition: The rate constant for a second order reaction is defined as the average rate of the reaction per concentration of the reactant having power raised to 2.
Purpose: It helps chemists and chemical engineers determine the speed of chemical reactions where the rate depends on the square of the reactant concentration.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The reaction rate is divided by the square of the reactant concentration to determine the rate constant.
Details: Knowing the rate constant is essential for reaction engineering, reactor design, and predicting reaction behavior under different conditions.
Tips: Enter the reaction rate in mol/(m³·s) and reactant concentration in mol/m³. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is a second order reaction?
A: A reaction where the rate is proportional to the square of the concentration of one reactant or to the product of concentrations of two reactants.
Q2: What are typical units for second order rate constants?
A: The units are typically m³/(mol·s) in SI units or L/(mol·s) in more common laboratory units.
Q3: How does temperature affect the rate constant?
A: Rate constants generally increase with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for reversible reactions?
A: No, this is specifically for irreversible second order reactions with equal reactant concentrations.
Q5: What if I have different reactant concentrations?
A: You would need a different formula that accounts for the different initial concentrations.