Solving for Reaction order.

[905960080]

When using the rate2/rate1 = {M2/M1]^x[M2/M1]^y equation to solve for the reaction order, how do you know when to put which rate on top for rate2/rate1 equation.

[Ashwin Babu 1I]

The order doesn't technically matter as long as you keep track of which rate is which. Generally, you should stay consistent with your notation, but beyond that, you can arbitrarily choose which goes on top.

[kumar2L]

It'll usually ask what ratio you want, for example, if it is asking you for the ratio of adding a catalyst versus none then the equation with the catalyst will be on top. If it is for a catalyst it should be a number larger than 1 so if you're getting a fraction just do the inverse (catalysts increase reaction rate).

[Larne Reyes 1A]

You would usually put the reaction with the bigger rate and larger concentration on top so that you would get a whole number after dividing the two rates. This would make it easier to find the reaction order using whole numbers.