Chemical Kinetics Ques 13

13. Mechanism of a hypothetical reaction

[2017]

$X_2+Y_2 \to 2 X Y$ is given below :

(i) $X_2 \to X+X$ (fast)

(ii) $X+Y_2 \rightarrow X Y+Y$ (slow)

(iii) $X+Y \to X Y$ (fast)

The overall order of the reaction will be :

(a) 2

(b) 0

(c) 1.5

(d) 1

Show Answer

Answer:

Correct Answer: 13.(c)

Solution:

(c) Overall rate $=k[X][Y_2] \hspace{14mm}…(1)$

$k=$ rate constant

Assuming step (i) to be reversible, its equilibrium constant,

$k _{\text{eq }}=\frac{[X]^{2}}{[X_2]} \Rightarrow[X]^{2}=k _{\text{eq }}[X_2] ;$

$[X]=k _{e q}^{\frac{1}{2}}[X_2]^{\frac{1}{2}}\hspace{12mm}…(2)$

From eq (1) and (2)

Rate $=k _{e q}{ }^{\frac{1}{2}}[X_2]^{\frac{1}{2}}[Y_2]$

Overall order $=\frac{1}{2}+1=\frac{3}{2}=1.5$