For the decomposition of azoisopropane to hexane and nitrogen at 543 K, the following data are obtained.
| t (sec) | P (mm of Hg) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 35.0 |
| 360 | 54.0 |
| 720 | 63.0 |
Calculate the rate constant.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — First Order Kinetics
First Order Kinetics
Imagine you have a bucket of water with a small hole at the bottom. The water drains out. At the start, the bucket is full, so the pressure at the hole is high — water gushes out fast. As the water level drops, the pressure decreases, and the water trickles out more slowly. The rate at which water leaves is directly proportional to how much water is still in the bucket.
That's the core intuition behind first order kinetics: the rate of a process depends linearly on how much of the substance is left.
The Precise Statement
In chemistry, first order kinetics describes a reaction where the rate of the reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of one reactant.
If we have a reaction: A→products, then:
Rate=−dtd[A]=k[A]
Here:
- [A] is the concentration of reactant A at any time t
- k is the rate constant (units: time−1, e.g., s−1)
- The negative sign indicates that [A] decreases over time
The key point: double the concentration, double the rate. Halve the concentration, halve the rate.
The Integrated Form — What Actually Happens Over Time
The differential equation above tells us the instantaneous rate. But what we usually want is: how does concentration change with time?
Integrating gives:
ln[A]t=ln[A]0−kt
or equivalently:
[A]t=[A]0e−kt
Where [A]0 is the initial concentration and [A]t is the concentration at time t.
This exponential decay is the hallmark of first order kinetics. The concentration drops rapidly at first, then more slowly, approaching zero asymptotically.
The Half-Life — A Beautiful Constant
For first order kinetics, the half-life (t1/2) — the time taken for half the reactant to be consumed — is independent of the starting concentration.
t1/2=kln2≈k0.693
This is a powerful result. Whether you start with 100 g or 1 g, it always takes the same time to go from that amount to half of it. This is unique to first order kinetics — no other order has this property.
For a first order process, after n half-lives, the fraction remaining is (21)n. After 1 half-life: 50% remains. After 2: 25%. After 3: 12.5%. And so on.
How to Identify First Order Kinetics Experimentally
If you plot ln[A] versus time and get a straight line with slope −k, the reaction is first order. This is the gold standard test.
Alternatively, if the half-life remains constant as you change the initial concentration, that's a strong indicator.
Real-World Examples
- Radioactive decay: Every radioactive isotope decays by first order kinetics. Carbon-14 dating works because t1/2=5730 years, regardless of how much carbon-14 is present. …
Why this formula?
First Order Kinetics: Why the Formula Holds
Let's build this from the core idea — not just memorise the equation.
The Fundamental Assumption
In a first order reaction, the rate of reaction depends linearly on the concentration of only one reactant.
If we have:
A→products
The rate law is:
Rate=−dtd[A]=k[A]
Here:
- −dtd[A] = rate of disappearance of A (negative because [A] decreases)
- k = rate constant (units: time−1, e.g., s−1)
- [A] = concentration of A at any time
Why linear? Because the probability of a single molecule reacting in a given time is constant — it doesn't depend on other molecules. This is the molecular logic behind first order.
Deriving the Integrated Rate Law
We start from the differential form:
−dtd[A]=k[A]
Step 1: Separate variables
Bring all [A] terms to one side, dt to the other:
[A]d[A]=−kdt
Step 2: Integrate both sides
Integrate from initial time t=0 (concentration [A]0) to any time t (concentration [A]t):
∫[A]0[A]t[A]d[A]=−k∫0tdt
The left side integrates to ln[A]:
ln[A]t−ln[A]0=−kt
Step 3: Rearrange
ln[A]0[A]t=−kt
Or equivalently:
ln[A]t=ln[A]0−kt
This is the integrated rate law for first order kinetics.
Why This Form Makes Sense
- Exponential decay: Taking antilog:
[A]t=[A]0e−kt
The concentration decays exponentially — a hallmark of first order processes.
- Constant half-life: The time for [A]t to become half of [A]0 is:
2[A]0=[A]0e−kt1/2
21=e−kt1/2
ln(21)=−kt1/2
t1/2=kln2
Key insight: t1/2 is independent of initial concentration — unique to first order. This is why radioactive decay (a first order process) has a fixed half-life regardless of how much you start with.
Graphical Interpretation (Exam-Ready) …
Concept: Average Rate of Reaction – For a gaseous reaction, the rate constant can be found using the integrated rate law for a first-order process, relating total pressure to the extent of reaction.
The reaction is:
(CH3)2CHN=NCH(CH3)2→C6H14+N2
Let initial pressure of azoisopropane be P0=35.0 mm Hg. At time t, let x be the decrease in pressure of reactant. Then:
- Pressure of azoisopropane = P0−x
- Pressure of hexane = x
- Pressure of nitrogen = x
Total pressure, Pt=(P0−x)+x+x=P0+x
So, x=Pt−P0
For a first-order gas-phase reaction:
k=t2.303logP0−xP0=t2.303log2P0−PtP0
At t=360 s:
k=3602.303log2(35.0)−54.035.0=3602.303log16.035.0
=3602.303×0.3399=2.17×10−3 s−1 (unrounded: 2.174×10−3)
At t=720 s: …
For a first-order gas-phase reaction, the rate constant can be found from the pressure increase over time. Using the formula k=t2.303log2P0−PtP0, the calculated value (average of the two time points) is 2.20×10−3 s−1.
The key insight here is that we are dealing with a gas-phase decomposition where the total pressure changes as the reaction proceeds. For the reaction:
(CH3)2CHN=NCH(CH3)2→C6H14+N2
azoisopropane decomposes to give hexane and nitrogen gas. Since all species are gases, the total pressure at any time is the sum of the partial pressures of the reactant and products.
Why does this matter? In a constant-volume container at fixed temperature, pressure is proportional to the number of moles. As one molecule of azoisopropane breaks into two molecules (one hexane + one nitrogen), the total number of moles increases. This means the total pressure rises over time — and that rise tells us exactly how much reactant has decomposed.
The reaction follows first-order kinetics (typical for such decompositions), so we can use the integrated rate law for a first-order reaction in terms of pressure.
Let’s work through it step by step.
- Define the initial and final pressures.
Let P0 be the initial pressure of azoisopropane alone. At t=0, P0=35.0 mm Hg.
Let Pt be the total pressure at time t.
If x is the decrease in pressure of azoisopropane at time t, then:
- Pressure of azoisopropane remaining = P0−x
- Pressure of hexane produced = x (since 1 mole gives 1 mole)
- Pressure of nitrogen produced = x So total pressure:
Pt=(P0−x)+x+x=P0+x
Therefore, x=Pt−P0.
- Express the concentration of reactant in terms of pressure. For a first-order reaction, the rate constant k is given by:
k=t2.303log[A]t[A]0
Since pressure is proportional to concentration (ideal gas law at constant T and V), we can write:
k=t2.303logP0−xP0
Substituting x=Pt−P0:
k=t2.303logP0−(Pt−P0)P0=t2.303log2P0−PtP0
k=t2.303log2P0−PtP0
- Calculate k using data at t=360 sec. P0=35.0, Pt=54.0
2P0−Pt=70.0−54.0=16.0
2P0−PtP0=16.035.0=2.1875
log(2.1875)≈0.3399
k=3602.303×0.3399=3600.7827≈2.174×10−3 s−1
- Calculate k using data at t=720 sec to verify consistency. Pt=63.0 …
Method: Integrated Rate Law for First-Order Gas-Phase Reaction (Using Pressure Data)
This is a first-order gas-phase reaction where the total pressure changes as the reaction proceeds. We use the relationship between total pressure and reactant pressure to apply the first-order integrated rate law.
Step 1: Write the reaction and stoichiometry
(CH3)2CHN=NCH(CH3)2→N2+C6H14
Let initial pressure of azoisopropane = P0=35.0 mm Hg at t=0.
At time t, let x be the decrease in pressure of azoisopropane. Then:
- Pressure of azoisopropane remaining = P0−x
- Pressure of N2 formed = x
- Pressure of C6H14 formed = x
Total pressure at time t:
Pt=(P0−x)+x+x=P0+x
So, x=Pt−P0
Step 2: Express reactant pressure in terms of total pressure
Pressure of azoisopropane at time t:
PA=P0−x=P0−(Pt−P0)=2P0−Pt
Step 3: Apply first-order integrated rate law
For a first-order reaction:
k=t2.303logPAP0
Substitute PA=2P0−Pt:
k=t2.303log2P0−PtP0
Step 4: Calculate k for each data point
At t=360 s:
k=3602.303log2(35.0)−54.035.0=3602.303log70.0−54.035.0
=3602.303log16.035.0=3602.303log(2.1875)
log(2.1875)≈0.3398
k=3602.303×0.3398=3600.7825≈2.17×10−3 s−1
At t=720 s: …
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Confusing Total Pressure with Partial Pressure of Reactant
The Error:
Students directly plug the given total pressure (P) into the first-order rate equation:
k=t2.303logPtP0
This is wrong because P0 and Pt in the table are total pressures, not the partial pressure of azoisopropane.
Why it's wrong:
As the reaction proceeds, the number of gas moles increases (1 mole reactant → 2 moles products). Total pressure rises even as reactant decreases. Using total pressure directly gives a meaningless result.
How to Avoid:
Always ask: "Is this the pressure of the reactant or the total pressure of the mixture?"
For gas-phase reactions with mole change, you must convert total pressure into partial pressure of reactant using stoichiometry.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Stoichiometric Mole Change
The Error:
Students assume Preactant=Ptotal at all times.
Why it's wrong:
The reaction is:
(CH3)2CHN=NCH(CH3)2→C6H14+N2
- Initial: 1 mole → 0 moles
- At time t: (1−x) moles reactant, x moles hexane, x moles nitrogen
- Total moles at time t = (1−x)+x+x=1+x
So total pressure Pt is not proportional to reactant remaining.
How to Avoid:
Write the balanced equation and count moles. Let:
- P0 = initial pressure of pure reactant
- Pt = total pressure at time t
- pA = partial pressure of reactant at time t
From stoichiometry:
Pt=pA+2(P0−pA)=2P0−pA
Therefore:
pA=2P0−Pt
Always derive this relation before plugging into the rate equation.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Order Formula
The Error:
Applying zero-order or second-order formulas without checking.
Why it's wrong:
For gas-phase decomposition with mole increase, first-order kinetics is standard unless stated otherwise. Using the wrong order gives a non-constant k.
How to Avoid:
- For decomposition reactions, assume first order unless data suggests otherwise.
- Verify by checking if k is constant across time intervals using:
k=t2.303logpAP0
Mistake 4: Arithmetic Errors in the pA Calculation
The Error:
Miscalculating 2P0−Pt or using P0 incorrectly.
Example of error:
At t=360, Pt=54.0, P0=35.0
Wrong: pA=2(35.0)−54.0=70−54=16 ✓ (correct) …
Showing the 12 most recent of 35 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.A(g)→ products, follows first order kinetics. Initial concentration of A is 8×10−3molL−1. For 80% decomposition of A, the time taken was 80 minutes. What is the rate constant for that reaction? (log 2 = 0.3, log 3 = 0.48, log 4 = 0.60, log 5 = 0.70) (A) 0.05 min−1 (B) 0.04 min−1 (C) 0.02 min−1 (D) 0.06 min−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the integrated first-order rate law; the answer is k≈0.02 min−1.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the rate constant only depends on the RATIO of initial to remaining concentration, not on the absolute concentration — this is why the initial concentration 8×10−3 mol/L given in the question is a distractor and isn't actually needed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Integrated first-order equation: k=t2.303log[A]t[A]0.
- 80% decomposition means 80% of A is consumed, so 20% remains: [A]t=0.2[A]0, giving [A]t[A]0=0.21=5.
- Substitute t=80 min and log5=0.70 (given): k=802.303×0.70=801.6121.
- k≈0.02015 min−1≈0.02 min−1.
Common Mistakes …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.At T(K), the following first order reaction takes place A(g)→B(g)+C(g) Initial pressure (t=0 min) of A(g) is pA0. After 10 min of the reaction, the pressure is pt. The correct equation for the rate constant of this reaction is (A) k=t1ln(2pA0−pt)pA0 (B) k=t2.303ln(2pA0−pt)pA0 (C) k=t2.303logpA0(2pA0−pt) (D) k=t1ln(3pA0−pt)pA0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tracking total pressure for A→B+C shows the pressure of remaining A at time t is 2pA0−pt; substituting into the first-order rate law gives option (A).
Concept and Intuition
When a gas-phase reaction changes the number of moles, we can follow its progress via total pressure instead of concentration, since pressure is proportional to moles at constant volume/temperature. For A(g)→B(g)+C(g), every mole of A consumed produces one mole each of B and C — so the total moles (and hence total pressure) increase as the reaction proceeds, and this pressure change directly tells us how much A has reacted.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At t=0: only A present, pressure =pA0.
- At time t: let the pressure of A remaining be p. Then pressure of A reacted =pA0−p, and by stoichiometry, pressure of B formed =pA0−p and pressure of C formed =pA0−p (1:1:1 ratio).
- Total pressure: pt=p+(pA0−p)+(pA0−p)=2pA0−p
- Solve for p (pressure of A remaining): p=2pA0−pt …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.Half-life of a first order reaction is 10 minutes. What is the rate of reaction after 20 minutes, if the initial concentration of the reactant is 10 M? (A) 1.73×10−1 M min−1 (B) 1.73×10−2 M min−1 (C) 3.46×10−1 M min−1 (D) 4.19×10−2 M min−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
After 2 half-lives the concentration drops to 2.5 M; the instantaneous first-order rate at that point is k[A]=1.73×10−1 M min⁻¹.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the rate constant is fixed by the half-life: k=0.693/t1/2, independent of concentration. The instantaneous rate at any time is rate=k[A]t, so we just need [A] at t=20 min.
Since 20 minutes equals exactly 2 half-lives (10 min each), the concentration halves twice.
Step-by-Step Solution
- k=0.693/10=0.0693 min−1.
- Number of half-lives elapsed in 20 min =20/10=2.
- [A]20=22[A]0=410=2.5 M. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-FN1 markMCQQ.Hydrolysis of benzene diazonium chloride follows first order kinetics. The time taken for its decomposition to 81 and 101 of its original concentration are [t1/8] and [t1/10] respectively. What is the ratio of [t1/8] to [t1/10]? [log 2 = 0.30, log 3 = 0.48, log 4 = 0.60] (A) 9 : 10 (B) 10 : 9 (C) 3 : 5 (D) 5 : 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
For a first-order reaction, time to reach a given fraction remaining is proportional to log(C0/C); comparing log8 and log10 gives the required ratio. The answer is 9 : 10.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, k=t2.303logCC0, so t=k2.303logCC0. Since k (the rate constant) is the same throughout for a given reaction at a given temperature, the time taken to reach any particular fraction of the original concentration is directly proportional to log(C0/C) for that fraction. This lets us compare two different "fraction remaining" times without ever needing to know k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- t1/8 is the time for concentration to fall to 1/8 of C0, i.e., C0/C=8: t1/8=k2.303log8.
- log8=log(23)=3log2=3×0.30=0.90. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.The time taken for 60% completion of a first order reaction is 13.22 min. What is its half-life (t1/2) in min? (log(2.5)=0.398) (A) 11 (B) 9 (C) 8 (D) 10
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the first-order rate law with the given time for 60% completion, the half-life works out to 10 minutes.
Concept and Intuition
For first-order kinetics, the rate constant k can be found from any fraction reacted using k=t2.303log[A]t[A]0, and the half-life t1/2=k0.693 is independent of initial concentration — it only depends on k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At 60% completion, 40% of the reactant remains: [A]t[A]0=40100=2.5.
- k=t2.303log(2.5)=13.222.303×0.398.
- Numerator =2.303×0.398=0.9166; so k=13.220.9166=0.0693 min−1. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.A → products, is a first order reaction. The following data is obtained for this reaction at T(K). The value of x : y is Rate (mol L−1 min−1) : [A] 0.2 : 0.02 M 0.4 : x M 1.0 : y M (A) 1 : 5 (B) 2 : 3 (C) 5 : 2 (D) 2 : 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tests the defining rate law of a first-order reaction, Rate =k[A]; the answer is (D) 2 : 5.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction A→products, the rate law is
Rate=k[A]
This means rate is directly proportional to concentration — double the concentration, double the rate. Since k is a constant at a fixed temperature T, every (Rate, [A]) pair in the table must give the same k. This lets us solve for the unknown concentrations x and y from the first data row.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Use the first row to find k: 0.2=k(0.02)⇒k=0.020.2=10 min−1.
- Apply the same k to row 2: 0.4=k⋅x=10x⇒x=0.04 M.
- Apply the same k to row 3: 1.0=k⋅y=10y⇒y=0.10 M. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.In a first order reaction, the concentration of the reactant is reduced to 1/8 of the initial concentration in 75 minutes. The t1/2 of the reaction (in minutes) is (log2=0.30, log3=0.47, log4=0.60) (A) 60.2 (B) 50.2 (C) 25.1 (D) 75.1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Falling to 1/8 of the initial concentration is exactly 3 half-lives (since 1/8=(1/2)3), so t1/2=75/3=25 min; using the given log values precisely gives 25.1 min. The answer is (C) 25.1 min.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the integrated rate law is
k=t2.303log[A][A]0
A defining feature of first-order kinetics is that the half-life t1/2=0.693/k is independent of concentration — each half-life always halves whatever concentration remains. So if the concentration falls to 81 of the original, that is exactly (21)3, meaning exactly 3 half-lives have elapsed.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Concentration ratio: [A]0/[A]=8.
- Since 8=23, note 1/8 of initial concentration corresponds to exactly 3 half-lives.
- Total time for 3 half-lives = 75 minutes, so one half-life t1/2=75/3=25 minutes (quick estimate).
- To match the precision implied by the given log values, compute via the rate constant: …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.A→P is a first order reaction. At T(K), the concentration of reactant (A) after 10 min of the reaction is x molL−1. After 20 min of the reaction, the concentration of A was y molL−1. What is its rate constant (in min−1) ? (A) 0.2303logyx (B) 2.303logyx (C) 2.303logxy (D) 0.2303logxy
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the first-order integrated rate law between t=10 min ([A]=x) and t=20 min ([A]=y), with Δt=10 min, gives k=0.2303log(x/y).
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction A→P, the integrated rate law between any two times t1 and t2 (with concentrations C1 and C2) is
k=t2−t12.303logC2C1
This works between any two time points, not just from t=0, as long as the concentrations at those two times are known.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At t1=10 min, [A]=x. At t2=20 min, [A]=y.
- Time interval: Δt=t2−t1=10 min.
- k=Δt2.303logC2C1=102.303logyx.
- 102.303=0.2303.
- So k=0.2303logyx (in min−1).
Common Mistakes …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.A→P is a first order reaction. The reaction was started at 10.00 AM. At 10.10 AM, the concentration of A was x mol L−1. At 10.20 AM, the concentration of A was y mol L−1. The half life (in min) of the reaction is equal to (A) log(x/y)2.303 (B) 3.01log(x/y) (C) log(y/x)3.01 (D) log(x/y)3.01
›Reveal solutionSolution
Since x and y are concentrations 10 minutes apart in a first-order reaction, the rate constant follows from the integrated rate law over that interval, giving t1/2=log(x/y)3.01.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the integrated rate law between any two times separated by Δt is
k=Δt2.303log[A]t2[A]t1
regardless of what the initial concentration was — because first-order kinetics only cares about the ratio of concentrations over the elapsed time, not the absolute starting point. This is why concentrations "10 minutes into the reaction" and "20 minutes into the reaction" can be treated as a self-contained 10-minute window.
Step-by-Step Solution
- From 10.00 AM to 10.10 AM to 10.20 AM, the interval between the two given concentrations is Δt=10 min.
- Apply the first-order integrated law over this window: k=102.303logyx.
- Half-life: t1/2=k0.693=2.303log(x/y)0.693×10. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-24-FN1 markMCQQ.For a first order reaction, the ratio between the time taken to complete 43th of the reaction and time taken to complete half of the reaction is (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 1.5 (D) 2.5
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the first-order rate law's independence from concentration; the ratio t3/4/t1/2=2 exactly.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the time to reach any fixed fraction of completion is a fixed multiple of the half-life, regardless of the starting concentration — this is the defining signature of first-order kinetics. Doubling the 'half-life count' needed (from one half-life to two half-lives) to go from 50% to 75% completion is exactly why the ratio comes out to a clean integer.
Step-by-Step Solution
- First-order integrated law: kt=ln[A]t[A]0.
- At t1/2: half of [A]0 remains, so kt1/2=ln[A]0/2[A]0=ln2.
- At t3/4: three-quarters consumed means one-quarter remains, so kt3/4=ln[A]0/4[A]0=ln4=2ln2. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-16-FN1 markMCQQ.A→P is a first order reaction. At 27 °C, the time taken for the completion of 20 % of the reaction is t1 min. The time taken for the completion of 80 % of the reaction is t2 min at the same temperature. What is the value of t1t2? (log80=1.9; log20=1.3) (A) 71 (B) 7 (C) 73 (D) 14
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the first-order rate law at 20% and 80% completion, the ratio t2/t1 reduces to log5/log1.25, which evaluates to 7 using the given log values.
Concept and Intuition
For a first-order reaction, the time to reach a given fraction of completion depends logarithmically on the fraction of reactant remaining: t=k2.303loga−xa. Taking the ratio of two such times eliminates the unknown rate constant k.
Step-by-Step Solution
- At 20% completion, 80% of a remains: t1=k2.303log80100=k2.303log(1.25).
- At 80% completion, 20% of a remains: t2=k2.303log20100=k2.303log(5).
- Ratio: t1t2=log1.25log5. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-17-FN1 markMCQQ.At T(K), the decomposition of N2O5(g) is a first order reaction. The initial pressure of N2O5(g) is 'a' atm. After time, t, the total pressure of reaction is 'p' atm. The rate constant (k) of the reaction is (A) K=t1ln(a−2pa) (B) K=t1ln(3a−2p3a) (C) K=t1ln(3a−p3a) (D) K=21ln(5a−2p3a)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tracking total pressure through the stoichiometry of
2N2O5→4NO2+O2 shows the remaining
N2O5 pressure is 35a−2p, giving the first-order rate constant
the form in option (D).
Concept and Intuition
This is the standard "gas-phase first-order decomposition tracked by total pressure"
problem. Because the number of moles of gas changes during the reaction, the total
pressure p at time t is NOT simply the pressure of unreacted N2O5 — you
must use the reaction stoichiometry to relate the increase in total pressure to how
much N2O5 has actually decomposed, then plug the leftover N2O5
pressure into the first-order integrated rate law k=t1ln[A]t[A]0.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Reaction: 2N2O5(g)→4NO2(g)+O2(g).
- Let 2ξ = pressure of N2O5 consumed. By stoichiometry, NO2 formed =4ξ and O2 formed =ξ.
- Species pressures at time t: N2O5=a−2ξ, NO2=4ξ, O2=ξ.
- Total pressure: p=(a−2ξ)+4ξ+ξ=a+3ξ⇒ξ=3p−a.
- Remaining N2O5=a−2ξ=a−32(p−a)=33a−2p+2a=35a−2p. …
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