Integrated zero-, first- and second-order rate laws
For irreversible loss of one species with constant rate coefficient, integrating −dc/dt=k cⁿ gives c=c₀−kt for n=0, c=c₀e⁻ᵏᵗ for n=1, and 1/c=1/c₀+kt for n=2.
Key knowledge
For irreversible loss of one species with constant rate coefficient, integrating −dc/dt=k cⁿ gives c=c₀−kt for n=0, c=c₀e⁻ᵏᵗ for n=1, and 1/c=1/c₀+kt for n=2. Different reaction orders give different time courses and rate-coefficient units.
Values and equations
n=0: c=c₀−kt; n=1: c=c₀exp(−kt); n=2: 1/c=1/c₀+kt
- c,c₀
- current and initial species concentration mol m⁻³
- t
- elapsed time s
- k
- disappearance coefficient; units depend on n (mol m⁻³)^(1−n) s⁻¹
- n
- order in the stated single-species law 1
Conditions and scope
- Here k is defined for disappearance of the stated species, with constant volume and no significant reverse or parallel pathway.
- Zero-order integration applies only while c remains nonnegative and the observed rate law remains valid.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Inspected all three integrations and concentration/time diagnostics.
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Entry details
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- uni-chem-integrated-kinetics
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion