## Units of Rate Constant

$aR \to bP, Rate = -\frac{1}{a} \frac{d[R]}{dt} = \frac{1}{b}\frac{d[P]}{dt}$

DanielleNario1A
Posts: 35
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:24 am

### Units of Rate Constant

How can you use units of the rate constant to identify order of the reaction?

Cole Elsner 2J
Posts: 88
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:25 am

### Re: Units of Rate Constant

In a zero order reaction, the rate constant would just be M*s^-1. With a first order reaction, we'd have just s^-1, as we'd have M from our reactant. In second order we have M^-1*s^-1, and from every unit jump forwards, we have a higher number of M, which is just our order # - 1.

Lauren Ho 2E
Posts: 70
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2018 12:16 am

### Re: Units of Rate Constant

Completing 15.9 in the sixth edition should be very helpful in understanding this concept!

005113695
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

### Re: Units of Rate Constant

each order's units are different. However, Cole's units are correct and are very helpful in figuring out which order is being used.

JiangJC Dis2K
Posts: 72
Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2018 12:16 am

### Re: Units of Rate Constant

Yes. For zero order, the rate constant units are mol/Lsec., First order=1/s, 2nd order=L/molsec.