In the section on collision theory,
we mentioned that the rate of a reaction could depend on
the concentration(s) of the reacting molecules. A precise
knowledge of the concentration dependence is necessary to
in order to calculate information such as
When will the reaction achieve sufficient conversion?
How much heat will be given off if the reaction is
exothermic?
How much heat will be needed if the reaction is endothermic?
Other questions may require a knowledge of the reaction rate throughout the course of the reaction.
aA + bB --> cC + dD
The rate law often fits the form
rate = k [A]x[B]y
x is the order of the reaction with respect to A
y is the order of the reaction with respect to B
The reaction orders x and y must be determined experimentally.
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