Question

The conversion of molecules X to Y follows second order kinetics. If concentration of X is increased to three times how will it affect the rate of formation of Y?

Answer 1

For the reaction, X → Y as it follows second order kinetics, therefore the rate law equation will be

Rate = k[X]² = ka² 

if [X] = a mol^-1 

if the concentration of X is increased three times, then

[X] = 3a mol L^-1

∴ Rate = k (3a)² = 9 ka² 

Thus, the rate of the reaction will become 9 times.

Hence the rate of formation of Y will increase by 9 times.