What is a specific rate constant (k)? Please explain in simple terms. How is this any different from the reaction rate.

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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What is a specific rate constant (k)? Please explain in simple terms. How is this any different from the reaction rate. 

Expert Solution
Step 1

Take the example of a reaction 

X -> P

where X is the reactant and P is the product. 

With time as the concentration of X will start decreasing, the concentration of P will keep on increasing.

we can write the rate as = -d[X]/dt = d[P]/dt

negative sign here indicates that with time the concentration of reactant keeps on decreasing. So that the rate will be positive. 

 

 

 

 

 

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