Observe the following reactions at T(K). A → products and 5Br⁻ + BrO₃⁻ + 6H⁺ reaction rate question
Q. Observe the following reactions at T(K).

I. A → products.

II. 5Br⁻(aq) + BrO₃⁻(aq) + 6H⁺(aq) → 3Br₂(aq) + 3H₂O(l)

Both the reactions are started at 10.00 am. The rates of these reactions at 10.10 am are same. The value of − Δ[Br⁻]/Δt at 10.10 am is 2 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ min⁻¹. The concentration of A at 10.10 am is 10⁻² mol L⁻¹. What is the first order rate constant (in min⁻¹) of reaction I ?
A. 4 × 10⁻³
B. 2 × 10⁻³
C. 10⁻³
D. 10⁻²
Correct Answer: 4 × 10⁻³

Explanation

For reaction II, the given rate is expressed in terms of bromide ion disappearance.

Reaction II is:

$$ \mathrm{5Br^- + BrO_3^- + 6H^+ \rightarrow 3Br_2 + 3H_2O} $$

From stoichiometry, rate of reaction is related to bromide ion as:

$$ \mathrm{Rate = -\frac{1}{5}\frac{\Delta[Br^-]}{\Delta t}} $$

Given:

$$ \mathrm{-\frac{\Delta[Br^-]}{\Delta t} = 2 \times 10^{-4}\ mol\ L^{-1}\ min^{-1}} $$

Therefore, rate of reaction II is:

$$ \mathrm{Rate = \frac{1}{5} \times 2 \times 10^{-4}} $$

$$ \mathrm{Rate = 4 \times 10^{-5}\ mol\ L^{-1}\ min^{-1}} $$

It is given that the rates of reaction I and reaction II at 10.10 am are same.

So, rate of reaction I at 10.10 am is:

$$ \mathrm{Rate = 4 \times 10^{-5}\ mol\ L^{-1}\ min^{-1}} $$

Reaction I is first order:

$$ \mathrm{Rate = k[A]} $$

Given concentration of A at 10.10 am:

$$ \mathrm{[A] = 10^{-2}\ mol\ L^{-1}} $$

Substituting values:

$$ \mathrm{k = \frac{4 \times 10^{-5}}{10^{-2}}} $$

$$ \mathrm{k = 4 \times 10^{-3}\ min^{-1}} $$

Hence, the first order rate constant of reaction I is 4 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹.

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