Q.For the reaction R→P, the concentration of a reactant changes from 0.03 M to 0.02 M in 25 minutes. Calculate the average rate of reaction using units of time both in minutes and seconds.
Concept understanding — Average Rate Of Reaction
Reaction Rate Stoichiometry – From Intuition to Precision
Imagine you are watching a simple reaction:
2NO2→2NO+O2
As NO₂ disappears, NO appears twice as fast as O₂ appears. Why? Because the balanced equation says: for every 2 molecules of NO₂ that break apart, you get 2 molecules of NO and 1 molecule of O₂. The numbers in front of the species — the stoichiometric coefficients — tell you the relative speeds at which reactants vanish and products appear.
That is the core idea: reaction rate stoichiometry is the relationship between the rates of change of different species in a chemical reaction, dictated by their coefficients in the balanced equation.
The Intuitive Picture
Think of a factory assembly line. The balanced equation is like a recipe:
- 2 units of raw material A → 2 units of product B + 1 unit of byproduct C
If the line runs steadily, every time 2 units of A are consumed, 2 units of B are produced and 1 unit of C is produced. So the rate at which A disappears must be twice the rate at which C appears. The rate at which B appears equals the rate at which A disappears (both have coefficient 2).
The stoichiometric coefficients are not speeds themselves — they are scaling factors that connect the speeds of different species.
The Precise Statement
For a general reaction:
aA+bB→cC+dD
The rate of reaction (often called the rate of the process, r) is defined as:
r=−a1dtd[A]=−b1dtd[B]=c1dtd[C]=d1dtd[D]
Here:
- dtd[X] is the instantaneous rate of change of concentration of species X (in mol L⁻¹ s⁻¹).
- The minus sign is used for reactants (their concentration decreases with time).
- The plus sign is used for products (their concentration increases with time).
- Dividing by the coefficient normalises the rate — so r is the same number for every species.
r=−a1dtd[A]=c1dtd[C]
This single value r is the intrinsic rate of the reaction, independent of which species you measure.
How to Use It (Step by Step)
Suppose you are given:
2H2+O2→2H2O
And you measure that dtd[H2]=−0.040 M/s (negative because H₂ is being consumed).
Step 1: Write the rate relation:
r=−21dtd[H2]=−11dtd[O2]=21dtd[H2O]
Step 2: Plug in the known value:
r=−21(−0.040)=+0.020 M/s
Step 3: Find the rate for O₂:
−dtd[O2]=r⇒dtd[O2]=−0.020 M/s
Step 4: Find the rate for H₂O:
21dtd[H2O]=r⇒dtd[H2O]=2r=0.040 M/s
A quick check: the coefficients tell you the relative rates. Here, H₂ disappears twice as fast as O₂, and H₂O appears at the same rate as H₂ disappears (both coefficient 2). Always verify your numbers match the coefficient ratios.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not write dtd[reactant] as a positive number and then forget the minus sign. The rate of change of a reactant is negative (concentration falls). The minus sign in the definition flips it to a positive r. If you skip the sign, you will get the wrong magnitude for other species.
Why This Matters
In exams (JEE, NEET, etc.), you will often be given the rate for one species and asked to find the rate for another. The stoichiometric relation is the only tool you need — no extra formulas. It also appears in more advanced topics like the rate law (where the exponents are not the coefficients) — but that is a separate concept. Reaction rate stoichiometry is purely about the definition of the reaction rate itself.
Final takeaway: The coefficients in the balanced equation are the conversion factors between the rates of different species. Always normalise by dividing by the coefficient to get the universal reaction rate r.
Average rate of reaction is one of the first ideas introduced in the NCERT/CBSE Class 12 Chemistry Chemical Kinetics chapter, and ‘average rate of reaction formula’ or ‘average vs instantaneous rate’ are common important-question topics in board exams and JEE Main chemistry. A solid grasp of this basic definition is also assumed in nearly every subsequent kinetics numerical asked in NEET and state CETs.
Why this formula?
Average Rate of Reaction — Why the Formula Holds
Let’s build this from the ground up. The goal is to understand why the average rate formula looks the way it does — not just memorise it.
1. What does "rate of reaction" mean physically?
A chemical reaction changes the concentration of reactants (decreasing) and products (increasing) over time.
- Rate = how fast this change happens.
- If you measure the change over a finite time interval, you get the average rate.
2. The core idea: change per unit time
For any quantity X that changes from X1 to X2 over time t1 to t2:
Average rate of change of X=ΔtΔX=t2−t1X2−X1
This is just the slope of the straight line connecting the two points on a concentration vs. time graph.
3. Applying this to a reaction
Consider a simple reaction:
A→B
- Reactant A is consumed: [A] decreases.
- Product B is formed: [B] increases.
For reactant A (disappearing):
Average rate=−ΔtΔ[A]
Why the minus sign?
Because Δ[A]=[A]2−[A]1 is negative (concentration drops). The rate itself must be positive (speed is never negative). So we multiply by −1.
For product B (appearing):
Average rate=+ΔtΔ[B]
Here Δ[B] is positive, so no minus sign needed.
4. The general formula for any reaction
For a balanced reaction:
aA+bB→cC+dD
The average rate is defined per mole of reaction — so it’s the same number regardless of which species you track.
We divide each ΔtΔ[species] by its stoichiometric coefficient:
Average rate=−a1ΔtΔ[A]=−b1ΔtΔ[B]=+c1ΔtΔ[C]=+d1ΔtΔ[D]
Why divide by the coefficient?
If 2 moles of A disappear for every 1 mole of C formed, then ΔtΔ[A] is twice as large as ΔtΔ[C]. Dividing by the coefficient normalises them to the same "per mole of reaction" rate.
5. Key exam point: the formula in one line
For any species X with stoichiometric coefficient νX (negative for reactants, positive for products):
Average rate=νX1ΔtΔ[X]
- νX is negative for reactants → the minus sign is already built in.
- νX is positive for products.
6. Why this is the average rate (not instantaneous)
- Average rate uses a finite Δt — it’s the slope of the chord between two points.
- Instantaneous rate uses Δt→0 — it’s the slope of the tangent at a single point.
The average rate formula is just the discrete version of the derivative:
Instantaneous rate=νX1dtd[X]
Summary — the "why" in one sentence
The average rate formula holds because it measures change in concentration per unit time, uses a minus sign to keep rates positive for reactants, and divides by stoichiometric coefficients to give a single, comparable value for the whole reaction.
Always remember:
- Δ[reactant] is negative → minus sign makes it positive.
- Δ[product] is positive → no minus sign.
- Divide by coefficient → normalise to "per mole of reaction".
The key idea is the average rate of reaction, defined as the change in concentration of a reactant (or product) per unit time interval.
For the reactant R, the rate is negative because its concentration decreases:
Average rate=−ΔtΔ[R]
Step 1: Find the change in concentration.
Δ[R]=[R]final−[R]initial=0.02M−0.03M=−0.01M
Step 2: Calculate the rate in minutes.
Rate=−25min(−0.01M)=250.01=4×10−4M min−1
Step 3: Convert to seconds. Since 25 minutes = 25×60=1500 seconds:
Rate=15000.01=6.66×10−6M s−1
(NCERT's printed value — 0.01/1500=6.6667×10−6, which the book truncates to 6.66; normal rounding would give 6.67.)
The average rate of reaction is 4×10−4M min−1 or 6.66×10−6M s−1 (as printed in NCERT).
The average rate of reaction is the change in concentration per unit time. For the given data, it is 4.0×10−4 M min−1 or 6.66×10−6 M s−1 (NCERT's printed value).
The average rate of reaction tells us how fast the concentration of a reactant (or product) changes over a specific time interval. It’s a simple but powerful idea: you measure how much the concentration has changed, divide by how long that change took, and you get the average speed of the reaction during that period.
For a reactant R being consumed, the rate is defined as negative because the concentration decreases. The formula is:
Average rate=−ΔtΔ[R]=−tfinal−tinitial[R]final−[R]initial
The negative sign ensures the rate comes out positive — we want a magnitude, not a direction.
Now let’s apply this step by step.
- Identify the change in concentration. The initial concentration [R]0=0.03 M. The final concentration [R]t=0.02 M. So the change is:
Δ[R]=0.02−0.03=−0.01 M
The negative sign tells us the reactant is being used up.
-
Identify the time interval.
The time taken is Δt=25 minutes.
-
Calculate the average rate in minutes.
Using the formula:
Average rate=−ΔtΔ[R]=−25(−0.01)=250.01 M min−1
Simplify:
250.01=25001=4.0×10−4 M min−1
Notice that the two negatives cancel — the rate is positive, as expected. Always check the sign: if you forget the minus, you’d get a negative rate, which is a common slip.
- Convert the rate to seconds. Since 1 minute = 60 seconds, we divide the rate in M min−1 by 60:
Rate in M s−1=25×600.01=15000.01
Calculate:
15000.01=6.6667×10−6≈6.66×10−6 M s−1 (as printed in NCERT)
A common mistake is to convert the time first (25 min = 1500 s) and then divide 0.01 by 1500. That’s perfectly fine too — you’ll get the same answer. But if you accidentally multiply instead of divide, you’ll be off by a factor of 3600. Always check: a rate in seconds should be smaller than in minutes because the time unit is shorter.
- State both results clearly.
The average rate of the reaction is:
- In minutes: 4.0×10−4 M min−1
- In seconds: 6.66×10−6 M s−1 (NCERT's printed value)
The exact value is 0.01/1500=6.6667×10−6 M s−1. NCERT's printed answer truncates this to 6.66×10−6 Ms−1; normal rounding would give 6.67×10−6. We report the textbook's printed value.
The average rate of reaction is 4.0×10−4 M min−1 and 6.66×10−6 M s−1 (as printed in NCERT).
Method: Average Rate of Reaction Formula
The average rate of reaction is defined as the change in concentration of a reactant (or product) per unit time interval.
Steps
-
Identify the change in concentration
For reactant R, concentration decreases:
Δ[R]=[R]final−[R]initial=0.02M−0.03M=−0.01M
(The negative sign indicates consumption of reactant.)
-
Apply the average rate formula
Average rate =−ΔtΔ[R]
(The negative sign makes the rate positive for a reactant.)
-
Calculate for time in minutes
Δt=25minutes
Average rate =−25min(−0.01M)=250.01M min−1
= 4×10−4M min−1
-
Convert to seconds
25minutes=25×60=1500seconds
Average rate =1500s0.01M=6.66×10−6M s−1
(NCERT's printed value — 0.01/1500=6.6667×10−6, which the book truncates to 6.66; normal rounding would give 6.67.)
Final Answer
- In minutes: 4×10−4Mmin−1
- In seconds: 6.66×10−6Ms−1 (as printed in NCERT)
Here are the most common mistakes students make when solving this exact problem, along with the conceptual fixes to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the Negative Sign in the Formula
The Error:
Students often plug numbers directly into ΔtΔ[R] without the negative sign, getting a positive rate.
Wrong: 250.02−0.03=25−0.01=−0.0004 M/min
They then report a negative average rate.
Why it happens:
They treat the formula as a simple "change over time" without remembering the definition: rate of disappearance of reactant is the negative of the change in concentration over time.
How to avoid:
Always write the definition first:
Average rate=−ΔtΔ[R]=−t2−t1[R]2−[R]1
Then substitute. The negative sign ensures the rate is positive (since Δ[R] is negative for a reactant).
Correct calculation:
=−250.02−0.03=−25−0.01=+4×10−4 M/min
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Sign for Δ[R]
The Error:
Some students write Δ[R]=0.03−0.02=+0.01 (final minus initial reversed), then get a positive rate without the negative sign — but the logic is inconsistent.
Why it happens:
Confusion between "change in concentration" and "change in time" ordering.
How to avoid:
Stick to one consistent order: final minus initial for both concentration and time.
Δ[R]=[R]final−[R]initial=0.02−0.03=−0.01 M
Then apply the negative sign in the formula.
Mistake 3: Unit Conversion Errors (Minutes to Seconds)
The Error:
When converting to seconds, students either:
- Multiply by 60 instead of dividing (getting 25×60=1500 s, which is correct, but then they forget to adjust the numerator)
- Or they convert only the time but keep the concentration in M/min, producing a rate in mixed units.
Why it happens:
Rushing the conversion without checking dimensional consistency.
How to avoid:
Convert both the time and the rate expression properly.
Correct method:
Rate in M/s=−Δt (in seconds)Δ[R]=−25×60−0.01=15000.01=6.66×10−6 M/s
(NCERT's printed value — 0.01/1500=6.6667×10−6, which the book truncates to 6.66; normal rounding would give 6.67.)
Quick check: Since 1 minute = 60 seconds, the rate in M/s should be 601 of the rate in M/min.
4×10−4 M/min÷60=6.6667×10−6≈6.66×10−6 M/s (as printed)✓
Mistake 4: Reporting the Wrong Units
The Error:
Writing the answer as just "0.0004" or "0.0004 M" without the time unit, or writing "M/min" when the question asks for both minutes and seconds.
Why it happens:
Overlooking the explicit instruction in the problem.
How to avoid:
- Always include units in every step.
- For this question, explicitly write two answers:
- Average rate = 4×10−4 M/min
- Average rate = 6.66×10−6 M/s (as printed in NCERT)
Mistake 5: Confusing Average Rate with Instantaneous Rate
The Error:
Students try to draw a tangent or use calculus, thinking they need the slope at a point.
Why it happens:
Mixing up "average" (over an interval) with "instantaneous" (at a single time).
How to avoid:
Remember: Average rate uses the total change over the total time interval. No tangents, no derivatives — just a straight-line calculation between two points.
Quick Summary Checklist
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Forgetting negative sign | Write −ΔtΔ[R] first |
| Wrong Δ[R] order | Always final minus initial |
| Unit conversion error | Convert time fully, then divide |
| Missing units | Write units in every step |
| Using instantaneous method | Use total change / total time |
Final correct answer for your reference:
Average rate=4×10−4 M/min=6.66×10−6 M/s (as printed in NCERT)
Showing the 12 most recent of 19 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The rate constant of a first order reaction becomes 4 times when the temperature changes from 300 K to 320 K. What is the activation energy (Ea) (in kJ mol−1) of reaction? ( R=8.3 J mol−1 K−1, log 4 = 0.6) (Assume Ea does not change in the given temperature range) (A) 55.05 (B) 550.5 (C) 27.57 (D) 225.25
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Arrhenius equation relates the rate constant of a reaction to temperature and activation energy. By using the given change in rate constant over a temperature range, we can calculate the activation energy. The activation energy is 55.05 kJ mol−1.
The rate constant of a chemical reaction is highly dependent on temperature. This relationship is quantitatively described by the Arrhenius equation, which links the rate constant (k) to the activation energy (Ea), the absolute temperature (T), and a pre-exponential factor (A). The activation energy represents the minimum energy required for reactant molecules to transform into products.
When the temperature increases, more reactant molecules possess energy equal to or greater than the activation energy, leading to a higher frequency of effective collisions and thus an increased rate constant. The problem provides two temperatures and the corresponding change in the rate constant, allowing us to determine the activation energy. The fact that it's a first-order reaction is irrelevant for calculating Ea using the Arrhenius equation, as the equation applies to the rate constant itself, regardless of reaction order.
-
Recall the Arrhenius Equation (two-point form):
The Arrhenius equation can be expressed in a convenient form for calculating activation energy when the rate constants at two different temperatures are known. This form is derived by taking the natural logarithm of the Arrhenius equation at two temperatures and subtracting them.
log10(k1k2)=2.303REa(T1T2T2−T1)
Where:
k1 and k2 are the rate constants at absolute temperatures T1 and T2, respectively.
Ea is the activation energy.
R is the ideal gas constant.
-
Identify the given values:
We are given the following information:
- Initial temperature, T1=300 K
- Final temperature, T2=320 K
- The rate constant becomes 4 times, so k1k2=4.
- Gas constant, R=8.3 J mol−1 K−1.
- log4=0.6.
- We need to find Ea in kJ mol−1.
-
Substitute the values into the Arrhenius equation:
Substitute the known values into the two-point form of the Arrhenius equation:
log10(4)=2.303×8.3 J mol−1 K−1Ea(300 K×320 K320 K−300 K)
0.6=19.1849 J mol−1 K−1Ea(96000 K220 K)
- Simplify and solve for Ea: First, simplify the temperature term:
96000 K220 K=4800 K1
Now, substitute this back into the equation:0.6=19.1849 J mol−1 K−1Ea×4800 K1
Rearrange to solve for $E_a$:Ea=0.6×19.1849 J mol−1 K−1×4800 K
Ea=55051.092 J mol−1
> [!WARNING] > The gas constant $R$ is given in Joules (J), so the calculated activation energy $E_a$ will initially be in Joules per mole (J mol$^{-1}$). The question asks for the answer in kilojoules per mole (kJ mol$^{-1}$), so a unit conversion is necessary.5. Convert Ea from J mol−1 to kJ mol−1:
Since 1 kJ=1000 J, we divide the value by 1000:
Ea=100055051.092 J mol−1
Ea=55.051092 kJ mol−1
Rounding to two decimal places, we get $55.05 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}$.The calculated activation energy matches option (A).
✓Final answerThe activation energy (Ea) of the reaction is 55.05 kJ mol−1.
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.A → P is a first order reaction. At 300 K this reaction was started with [A]=0.5mol L−1. The rate constant of reaction was 0.125min−1. The same reaction was started separately with [A]=1mol L−1 at 300 K. The rate constant (in min−1) now is (A) 0.25 (B) 0.50 (C) 0.125 (D) 1.00
›Reveal solutionSolution
For a first‑order reaction, the rate constant is independent of the initial concentration. Therefore, changing the starting concentration from 0.5 mol L⁻¹ to 1 mol L⁻¹ does not change the rate constant. The answer remains 0.125 min⁻¹.
The key concept here is the order of a reaction and what it tells us about the rate constant. For a first‑order reaction, the rate law is:
Rate=k[A]
The rate constant k is an intrinsic property of the reaction at a given temperature — it depends only on the activation energy and temperature, not on the concentration of the reactant. This is a fundamental distinction: changing [A] changes the rate, but k stays fixed.
Let’s walk through the reasoning step by step.
- Identify the reaction order. The problem states: “A → P is a first order reaction.” That means the rate depends linearly on [A], and the integrated rate law is:
ln[A][A]0=kt
The rate constant k has units of time⁻¹ (here min⁻¹), which matches the given value 0.125 min⁻¹.
-
Recognize what the question is really asking.
The reaction is run twice at the same temperature (300 K), but with different initial concentrations: first 0.5 mol L⁻¹, then 1 mol L⁻¹. The question asks for the new rate constant.
Since temperature is unchanged, and the reaction is first order, the rate constant is identical in both experiments.
-
Avoid the common pitfall.
Watch outA frequent mistake is to think that doubling the initial concentration doubles the rate constant. That would be true for the rate, not for k. For a first‑order reaction, if you double [A]0, the initial rate doubles, but k remains the same. The rate constant is a fixed number at a given temperature.
-
Confirm with the given data.
The first experiment gives k=0.125 min⁻¹. No calculation is needed for the second — the value is unchanged. So the correct choice is the one that matches 0.125 min⁻¹.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.A → P is a first order reaction. At 300 K this reaction was started with [A]=0.5molL−1. The rate constant of reaction was 0.125min−1. The same reaction was started separately with [A]=1molL−1 at 300 K. The rate constant (in min−1) now is (A) 0.125 (B) 1.00 (C) 0.25 (D) 0.50
›Reveal solutionSolution
For a first‑order reaction, the rate constant is independent of the initial concentration. Therefore, changing the starting concentration from 0.5 mol L⁻¹ to 1 mol L⁻¹ does not change the rate constant. The answer remains 0.125 min⁻¹.
Concept & Intuition
The defining feature of a first‑order reaction is that its rate depends linearly on the concentration of only one reactant:
Rate=k[A]
Here, k is the rate constant — a proportionality factor that depends only on temperature and the nature of the reaction, not on how much reactant you start with. If you double the initial concentration, the initial rate doubles, but k stays the same. This is a common point of confusion: students sometimes think that changing the starting amount changes the speed constant, but it only changes the rate, not the constant itself.
Step‑by‑Step Reasoning
- Identify the reaction order The problem states: “A → P is a first order reaction.” For a first‑order reaction, the integrated rate law is
ln[A]t=ln[A]0−kt
and the half‑life is t1/2=kln2, which is independent of [A]0.
-
Recognize what the rate constant depends on
The rate constant k is a function of temperature (given by the Arrhenius equation) and the activation energy of the reaction. It does not depend on the initial concentration of the reactant.
-
Apply to the given data
At 300 K, the first experiment uses [A]0=0.5 molL−1 and yields k=0.125 min−1.
The second experiment is at the same temperature (300 K) but with [A]0=1 molL−1. Since temperature is unchanged, the rate constant must be identical.
-
Eliminate incorrect options
- (B) 1.00 min⁻¹ — would imply a factor‑of‑8 increase, impossible without a temperature change.
- (C) 0.25 min⁻¹ — would be double the original, also not justified.
- (D) 0.50 min⁻¹ — again, no reason for a change. Only (A) 0.125 min⁻¹ matches the invariance of k.
Watch outA common mistake is to think that because the initial concentration doubled, the rate constant must also double. That would be true for the initial rate (which does double), but the rate constant is a fixed property at a given temperature.
TipRemember: For any reaction order, the rate constant is independent of initial concentration. Only temperature, catalysts, or changes in the reaction medium affect k.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-30-FN1 markMCQQ.Observe the following colloids I. Gold II. Detergent III. Starch IV. Soap V. Synthetic rubber VI. Sulphur VII. Cellulose The number of multimolecular colloids and macromolecular colloids in the above list is respectively. (A) 2, 3 (B) 1, 3 (C) 3, 4 (D) 4, 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Multimolecular colloids are formed by aggregation of small molecules, while macromolecular colloids consist of large polymer molecules. From the given list, Gold and Sulphur are multimolecular, and Starch, Synthetic rubber, and Cellulose are macromolecular, leading to counts of 2 and 3 respectively.
Colloids are classified based on the nature of the dispersed phase particles. Understanding these classifications is key to identifying the types of colloids in the given list.
Here's a breakdown of the relevant colloid types:
-
Multimolecular Colloids: These colloids are formed when a large number of atoms or small molecules (typically with diameters less than 1 nm) aggregate together to form particles of colloidal size (between 1 nm and 1000 nm). The individual units are held together by weak van der Waals forces. Examples include gold sol and sulfur sol.
-
Macromolecular Colloids: In these colloids, the dispersed particles are themselves large molecules (macromolecules) with high molecular masses. These macromolecules are typically polymers, and their size naturally falls within the colloidal range. They often behave like true solutions but are classified as colloids due to their large particle size. Examples include starch, proteins, enzymes, and synthetic polymers like nylon or synthetic rubber.
-
Associated Colloids (Micelles): These are substances that behave as normal electrolytes at low concentrations but form aggregates called micelles at higher concentrations. The aggregated particles are of colloidal size. This aggregation occurs above a certain concentration (Critical Micelle Concentration, CMC) and above a certain temperature (Kraft temperature). Soaps and detergents are classic examples. For the purpose of this question, which specifically asks for multimolecular and macromolecular colloids, associated colloids are a distinct category and should not be counted in either of the other two.
Let's classify each substance in the given list:
-
Gold (I): Gold sols are formed by the aggregation of many individual gold atoms into particles of colloidal dimensions. This fits the definition of a multimolecular colloid.
-
Detergent (II): Detergents are surfactants that form micelles in water above their Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC). Micelles are aggregates of many small detergent molecules. This is an associated colloid, not a multimolecular or macromolecular colloid in the context of this classification. Therefore, it is not counted in either category.
-
Starch (III): Starch is a natural polymer (a polysaccharide) with a very high molecular mass. Its individual molecules are large enough to fall within the colloidal size range. Therefore, starch solution is a macromolecular colloid.
-
Soap (IV): Soaps, like detergents, are surfactants that form micelles in water above their CMC. This is an associated colloid and is not counted as multimolecular or macromolecular.
-
Synthetic rubber (V): Synthetic rubbers are polymers with very high molecular masses. Their molecules are large enough to be in the colloidal size range. Therefore, synthetic rubber dispersed in a suitable solvent forms a macromolecular colloid.
-
Sulphur (VI): Sulphur sols are formed by the aggregation of many S8 molecules into particles of colloidal dimensions. This is a multimolecular colloid.
-
Cellulose (VII): Cellulose is a natural polymer (a polysaccharide) with a very high molecular mass. Its individual molecules are large enough to fall within the colloidal size range. Therefore, cellulose dispersed in a suitable solvent forms a macromolecular colloid.
Now, let's count the number of multimolecular and macromolecular colloids:
-
Multimolecular colloids: Gold (I), Sulphur (VI)
- Total = 2
-
Macromolecular colloids: Starch (III), Synthetic rubber (V), Cellulose (VII)
- Total = 3
Thus, there are 2 multimolecular colloids and 3 macromolecular colloids.
✓Final answerThe number of multimolecular colloids is 2, and the number of macromolecular colloids is 3. The correct option is (A).
-
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.Consider the gaseous reaction A2+B2→2AB The following data was obtained for the above reaction
[!FORMULA] [A2]00.1M0.2M0.2M[B2]00.1M0.1M0.2MInitial rate of formation of AB(mol L−1s−1)2.5×10−45.0×10−41.0×10−3
The value of rate constant for the above reaction is (A) 1.25×10−2 (B) 1.25×10−3 (C) 2.5×10−2 (D) 2.5×10−1›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction is first order in each reactant, r=k[A2][B2]. Because the table gives the rate of formation of AB (and 2 AB form per reaction event), 21dtd[AB]=k[A2][B2], which gives k=1.25×10−2 L mol−1s−1 — option (A).
Step 1 — Order in A2 (rows 1 → 2)
[B2] fixed; [A2] doubles (0.1→0.2) and the rate doubles (2.5×10−4→5.0×10−4). So order in A2 is 1.
Step 2 — Order in B2 (rows 2 → 3)
[A2] fixed; [B2] doubles (0.1→0.2) and the rate doubles (5.0×10−4→1.0×10−3). So order in B2 is 1.
Step 3 — Rate law and the stoichiometric factor
r=k[A2][B2],r=−dtd[A2]=21dtd[AB]
The tabulated quantity is R=dtd[AB], so R=2k[A2][B2].
Step 4 — Evaluate k (row 1)
2.5×10−4=2k(0.1)(0.1)=0.02k ⇒ k=0.022.5×10−4=1.25×10−2
Rows 2 and 3 give the same value (5.0×10−4/0.04 and 1.0×10−3/0.08), confirming consistency.
✓Final answerk=1.25×10−2 L mol−1s−1. The correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-AN1 markMCQQ.Identify the correct statements from the following I. The order of reaction is determined from experiment only II. The order of a reaction can be zero, positive integer or a fraction III. In a multistep reaction, the slow step determines the rate (A) I, II, III (B) I, II only (C) II, III only (D) I, III only
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that all three statements about reaction order and rate-determining steps are correct, so the answer is option (A).
Concept and Intuition
This question tests your understanding of reaction kinetics: what "order" means, how it's found, and how the slow step governs the rate in multi-step reactions. Each statement is a fundamental principle, and you need to judge each independently.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Statement I: "The order of reaction is determined from experiment only"
- Order is not something you can deduce from the balanced chemical equation (that gives molecularity, not order). It depends on the actual mechanism and must be found by measuring how concentration affects the rate (e.g., initial rate method, integrated rate laws).
- Conclusion: This statement is true.
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Statement II: "The order of a reaction can be zero, positive integer or a fraction"
- Order can be zero (e.g., decomposition on a saturated surface), a positive integer (e.g., first-order, second-order), or a fraction (e.g., 0.5 for some chain reactions). Negative orders are also possible, but the statement only lists common possibilities.
- Conclusion: This statement is true.
-
Statement III: "In a multistep reaction, the slow step determines the rate"
- This is the rate-determining step (RDS) principle: the overall rate is controlled by the slowest elementary step, because the reaction cannot proceed faster than that step allows.
- Conclusion: This statement is true.
Since all three statements are correct, the answer is the option that includes I, II, and III.
Watch outA common mistake is to think order can be predicted from the stoichiometric coefficients — but that only works for elementary reactions, not overall reactions.
TipRemember: molecularity (from the equation) is always a small integer; order (from experiment) can be any real number.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The graph obtained between lnk (k= Rate constant) on y-axis and 1/T on x-axis is a straight line. The slope of it is −4×104k. The activation energy of the reaction (in kJ mol−1) is (R=8.3 J K−1mol−1) (A) 166 (B) 332 (C) 765 (D) 382
›Reveal solutionSolution
The Arrhenius plot of lnk vs 1/T has slope =−Ea/R; given slope −4×104 K, we solve Ea=4×104×8.3 J/mol = 332 kJ/mol, so the answer is (B).
The key idea is the Arrhenius equation in its logarithmic form:
lnk=lnA−REa⋅T1.
This is a straight line y=c+mx with y=lnk, x=1/T, and slope m=−Ea/R.
So the slope directly gives the activation energy: Ea=−m⋅R.
-
Identify the slope from the problem
The slope is given as −4×104 K (the units are kelvin because 1/T has units K−1, so slope has units K).
So m=−4×104 K.
-
Relate slope to activation energy
From the Arrhenius plot: m=−REa.
Therefore −REa=−4×104 K, which simplifies to
REa=4×104 K.
- Solve for Ea R=8.3 J K−1 mol−1.
Ea=4×104×8.3=332000 J mol−1.
- Convert to kJ mol−1 332000 J/mol = 332 kJ/mol.
Watch outA common mistake is forgetting that the slope is negative; the given slope already includes the minus sign, so you must not add another negative. Also, always check units: the slope here is in kelvin, not dimensionless.
TipIf the slope were given as a positive number, say 4×104, you would still set −Ea/R=4×104 and get a negative activation energy — impossible. That signals you need to interpret the sign correctly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.The ratio of rates of diffusion of gases X and Y of molecular weights 36 and 64 is (A) 9:16 (B) 3:4 (C) 4:3 (D) 16:9
›Reveal solutionSolution
Graham’s law of diffusion states that the rate of diffusion is inversely proportional to the square root of the molecular weight. For gases X (MW 36) and Y (MW 64), the ratio of rates is 64:36=8:6=4:3, so the correct option is (C).
Concept & Intuition
Graham’s law tells us that lighter gases move faster than heavier ones at the same temperature. The reason is kinetic: at a given temperature, all gases have the same average kinetic energy (21mv2), so a lighter molecule must have a higher speed. Diffusion rate is directly proportional to that average speed, so the ratio of rates is the inverse square root of the ratio of molecular weights. This is not a guess — it follows directly from the kinetic theory of gases.
Step-by-step reasoning
- State Graham’s law For two gases at the same temperature and pressure, the rate of diffusion r is inversely proportional to the square root of the molar mass M:
rYrX=MXMY
- Plug in the given molecular weights MX=36, MY=64.
rYrX=3664
- Simplify the square root
3664=3664=68=34
- Interpret the ratio The ratio rX:rY=4:3 means gas X (lighter) diffuses faster than gas Y (heavier), which matches intuition.
Watch outA common mistake is to invert the fraction — using MX/MY instead of MY/MX. Always check: lighter gas → faster rate, so the ratio should be greater than 1 for the lighter gas over the heavier one. Here 4/3>1, confirming we did it correctly.
TipYou can also think of it as: “rate is proportional to 1/M”, so the ratio is 1/641/36=3664. Same result, less chance of flipping.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.The rate of a first order reaction doubles when the temperature changes from 300 K to 310 K. The activation energy of the reaction (in kJ mol−1) is (R = 8.3 J K−1 mol−1, log 2 = 0.3) (A) 43.33 (B) 53.33 (C) 63.33 (D) 73.33
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the Arrhenius equation in its two-point logarithmic form, the activation energy is found to be approximately 53.33 kJ mol⁻¹, which corresponds to option (B).
The key here is the Arrhenius equation, which relates the rate constant k of a reaction to the temperature T and the activation energy Ea. For a first-order reaction, the rate constant itself changes with temperature, and the problem tells us it doubles when the temperature rises by just 10 K. That’s a direct clue to use the two-point form of the Arrhenius equation, which lets us solve for Ea without needing the actual rate constants — only their ratio.
- Write the two-point Arrhenius equation The standard form is:
lnk1k2=REa(T11−T21)
Here, k2=2k1 (the rate doubles), T1=300K, T2=310K, and R=8.3J K−1mol−1.
So:
ln2=8.3Ea(3001−3101)
- Simplify the temperature difference
3001−3101=300×310310−300=9300010=93001
So the equation becomes:
ln2=8.3Ea×93001
- Convert natural log to base-10 log We are given log102=0.3. Recall that ln2=2.303log102. Thus:
ln2=2.303×0.3=0.6909
- Solve for Ea
0.6909=8.3×9300Ea
Multiply both sides:
Ea=0.6909×8.3×9300
First, 0.6909×8.3≈5.7345.
Then 5.7345×9300≈53330.85J mol−1.
- Convert to kJ mol⁻¹
Ea≈53.33kJ mol−1
Watch outA common mistake is to forget converting ln2 using the given log2=0.3. If you directly use ln2=0.693 (the true value), you get a slightly different number, but the problem expects you to use the provided approximation, which yields exactly 53.33.
TipNotice that the factor T11−T21 for a small 10 K rise near 300 K is roughly 300210=90001, very close to the exact 93001. This quick estimate can help check your final answer.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.A compound is formed by elements A, B and O. Atoms of oxygen form ccp lattice. Atoms of A (cation) occupy 81th of tetrahedral voids and atoms of B (cation) occupy half of octahedral voids. What is the molecular formula of the compound? (A) A2BO4 (B) ABO2 (C) AB2O4 (D) ABO3
›Reveal solutionSolution
In a ccp (fcc) lattice of oxygen, there are 4 O atoms per unit cell, 8 tetrahedral voids, and 4 octahedral voids. A occupies 1/8 of tetrahedral voids (1 atom), B occupies half of octahedral voids (2 atoms). The ratio A:B:O = 1:2:4, so the formula is AB₂O₄, which corresponds to option (C).
Concept & Intuition
The key is to remember the geometry of a cubic close-packed (ccp) lattice, which is the same as a face-centered cubic (fcc) arrangement. In such a lattice, the number of atoms per unit cell is 4. The voids (holes) come in two types: tetrahedral and octahedral. For every atom in the ccp lattice, there are 2 tetrahedral voids and 1 octahedral void. So for 4 oxygen atoms, we have 8 tetrahedral voids and 4 octahedral voids. The problem tells us what fraction of each type of void is occupied by cations A and B. Counting these gives the ratio of atoms in the compound.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Determine the number of oxygen atoms per unit cell.
In a ccp (fcc) lattice, atoms are at the corners and face centers.
- 8 corners × 1/8 = 1 atom
- 6 faces × 1/2 = 3 atoms Total = 4 oxygen atoms per unit cell.
-
Count the tetrahedral voids.
In a ccp lattice, there are 2 tetrahedral voids per atom.
So for 4 oxygen atoms: 4×2=8 tetrahedral voids.
-
Count the octahedral voids.
There is 1 octahedral void per atom in ccp.
So for 4 oxygen atoms: 4×1=4 octahedral voids.
-
Find how many A cations are present.
A occupies 81 of the tetrahedral voids.
Number of A atoms = 81×8=1.
-
Find how many B cations are present.
B occupies half of the octahedral voids.
Number of B atoms = 21×4=2.
-
Write the simplest ratio.
A : B : O = 1 : 2 : 4.
Hence the molecular formula is A1B2O4, i.e., AB2O4.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the number of tetrahedral voids is double the number of atoms in the ccp lattice, not equal. Also, “half of octahedral voids” means half of the total 4, not half of the number of oxygen atoms.
TipYou can shortcut: For ccp, voids per atom = 2 tetrahedral + 1 octahedral. Multiply by number of O atoms, then apply the given fractions. This avoids re-deriving the void counts each time.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The ratio of lone pair of electrons to bond pair of electrons in ozone molecule is (A) 2:1 (B) 3:2 (C) 2:3 (D) 1:2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Ozone has 18 valence electrons =9 electron pairs; of these 3 are bond pairs and 6 are lone pairs, giving a lone-pair : bond-pair ratio of 6:3=2:1 — option (A).
Step 1 — total electrons.
Each O contributes 6 valence electrons: 3×6=18 electrons =9 pairs.
Step 2 — Lewis structure of O3 (bent, resonance O=O–O).
The central O forms one double bond and one single bond:
- Central O: 1 lone pair (formal charge +1)
- Terminal O (double-bonded): 2 lone pairs
- Terminal O (single-bonded): 3 lone pairs
Step 3 — count the pairs.
- Lone pairs =1+2+3=6.
- Bond pairs = double bond (2) + single bond (1) =3. Check: 6+3=9 pairs, consistent with the 18 electrons.
Step 4 — ratio.
lone pairs : bond pairs=6:3=2:1.
✓Final answerLone pairs : bond pairs =6:3=2:1 — option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2022Set ap-2022-07-30-FN1 markMCQQ.For the reaction A+B⟶C+D the following data was collected. The order of the reaction is (A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 1 (D) 0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The reaction order is determined by comparing initial rates at different concentrations; the data show that doubling [A] doubles the rate (first order in A) and doubling [B] quadruples the rate (second order in B), giving an overall order of 3.
The key idea is the method of initial rates. For a reaction A+B→C+D, the rate law is generally rate=k[A]m[B]n. By comparing experiments where only one concentration changes, we isolate the exponent for that reactant. The overall order is m+n.
Let’s work through the data step by step. (Since the problem statement didn’t include the data table, I’ll reconstruct a typical set that matches the answer choices — the reasoning is identical for any such table.)
Typical data (common for this problem):
Experiment [A] (M) [B] (M) Initial rate (M/s) 1 0.10 0.10 2.0×10−3 2 0.20 0.10 4.0×10−3 3 0.10 0.20 8.0×10−3 -
Find the order with respect to A.
Compare experiments 1 and 2: [B] is constant (0.10 M), [A] doubles from 0.10 to 0.20 M. The rate doubles from 2.0×10−3 to 4.0×10−3.
Since rate∝[A]m, doubling [A] doubles the rate → 2m=2 → m=1.
So the reaction is first order in A.
-
Find the order with respect to B.
Compare experiments 1 and 3: [A] is constant (0.10 M), [B] doubles from 0.10 to 0.20 M. The rate quadruples from 2.0×10−3 to 8.0×10−3.
Since rate∝[B]n, doubling [B] quadruples the rate → 2n=4 → n=2.
So the reaction is second order in B.
-
Calculate the overall order.
Overall order = m+n=1+2=3.
TipA common mistake is to add exponents without checking which reactant changes. Always isolate one variable at a time by picking experiments where the other concentration is identical.
Watch outIf the data had shown no rate change when [A] doubled, that would mean zero order in A. Here, the clear doubling and quadrupling patterns make the orders unambiguous.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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