Question

The rate law equation for \[\ce{A -> Product}\], is rate = k[A]^x. What is the effect of an increase in concentration of ‘A’ on the rate of reaction if x < 0?

Answer 1

The given rate law for the reaction \[\ce{A -> Product}\] is:

Rate = k[A]^x

where x < 0 (the order of reaction is negative).

Effect of an increase in concentration of ‘A’ on the rate of reaction:

• Since x is negative, the concentration of A is raised to a negative power.
• Mathematically, if [A] increases, the term [A]^x decreases because a negative exponent means inverse proportionality.
• As a result, the rate of reaction decreases when the concentration of A increases.

If x < 0, increasing the concentration of reactant A will slow down the reaction instead of speeding it up. This happens in cases where the reactant acts as an inhibitor, slowing the reaction at higher concentrations.