k' in Pseudo-First-Order Rate Laws

[Clarisse Wikstrom 1H]

Why is k' used in the pseudo-first-order rate law? Doesn't k' mean the rate constant for the reverse reaction? Thanks!

[Mitch Walters]

k' just means a different rate constant. This is because we are treating a second order reaction as if it's a first order reaction, so it must have a different rate constant.

[Daniisaacson2F]

Yes, k prime if the reverse reaction's rate constant. You can use that and the forward reaction's k to figure out the equilibrium constant, K.

[Akash_Kapoor_1L]

How do we know when to use a pseudo-first-order method instead of calculating the second order rate law normally?

[Christina Bedrosian 1B]

k' stands for k*the reactants that you don't use in the rate law