Chapter 17, Problem 17.16P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The rate law in terms of pressure and rate constant for decomposition of ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The mathematical equation that relates the concentrations of the reactants to the rate of reaction is called the rate law of the reaction.  The rate of a reaction is typically proportional to the concentrations of the reactants raised to small integer powers.  The rate of reaction for decomposition of ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{5}}$

    $\begin{array}{l}\text{rate of reaction }\propto {\text{ [N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{5}}{\text{]}}^{\text{x}}\\ \\ \text{rate of reaction =}{\text{k [N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{5}}{\text{]}}^{\text{x}}\end{array}$

The proportionality constant, k, in a rate law is called the rate constant of the reaction.