Using Integrated Rate Laws

Using Integrated Rate Laws We use integrated rate laws, and rate constants to relate concentrations and time. The rate law to use depends on the overall order of the reaction.

• The common integrated rate laws
• How long does it take to react?
• What concentration remains after a given time?
• What was the initial concentration?

The Common Integrated Rate Laws

For a zero order reaction: A products , rate = k

The integrated rate law is [A] = -kt + [Ao]

For a first order reaction: A products , rate = k[A]

The integrated rate law is ln [A] = -kt + ln [Ao]

For a second order reaction: 2A products or A + B products (when [A] = [B]) , rate = k[A]2

The integrated rate law is 1/[A] = kt + 1/[Ao]

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How Long Does it Take?

To determine t, the time required for the initial concentration of a reactant to be reduced to some final value, we need to know:

• The initial concentration, [Ao].
• The final concentration, [A].
• The order of the reaction or enough information to determine it.
• The rate constant, k, for the reaction or enough information to determine it.

Substitute this information into the integrated rate law for a reaction with this order and solve for t. The integrated rate laws are given above.

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How Much Remains After a Given Time?

To determine [A], the concentration of a reactant remaining after some time, t, we need to know:

• The initial concentration, [Ao].
• The length of time the reaction ran, t.
• The order of the reaction or enough information to determine it.
• The rate constant, k, for the reaction or enough information to determine it.

Substitute this information into the integrated rate law for a reaction with this order and solve for [A]. The integrated rate laws are given above.

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What Concentration Was Present Initially?

To determine [Ao], the initial concentration of a reactant, we need to know:

• The final concentration, [A].
• The length of time, t, the reaction ran to reach the final concentration.
• The order of the reaction or enough information to determine it.
• The rate constant, k, for the reaction or enough information to determine it.

Substitute this information into the integrated rate law for a reaction with this order and solve the equation for [Ao]. The integrated rate laws are given above.

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