$2A + B → A_2B$
For the above reaction, the rate law equation is, rate = $k[A][B]^2$ with $k = 2.0 × 10^{-6}\, mol^{-2}\, L^2s^{-1}$. If the initial concentrations of A and B were $0.1\, mol\, L^{-1}$ and $0.2\, mol\, L^{-1}$, respectively, the rate of reaction after [A] is reduced to $0.06\, mol\, L^{-1}$ will be
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → $3.89 × 10^{-9}\, mol\, L^{-1}\, s^{-1}$
Reaction:
$2A + B \to A_2B$
Rate law:
$\text{rate} = k[A][B]^2$
Initial concentrations:
$[A]_0 = 0.10 \text{ mol L}^{-1}$
$[B]_0 = 0.20 \text{ mol L}^{-1}$
When $[A]$ becomes $0.06 \text{ mol L}^{-1}$, the amount of $A$ consumed is:
$A \text{ consumed} = 0.10 - 0.06 = \mathbf{0.04 \text{ mol L}^{-1}}$
From the stoichiometry:
$2A + B \to A_2B$
If $2$ moles of $A$ react, $1$ mole of $B$ reacts.
Thus $B$ consumed:
$B \text{ consumed} = 0.04 / 2$
$B \text{ consumed} = \mathbf{0.02 \text{ mol L}^{-1}}$
New concentration of $B$:
$[B] = 0.20 - 0.02$
$[B] = \mathbf{0.18 \text{ mol L}^{-1}}$
Now calculate the rate:
$\text{rate} = k[A][B]^2$
$\text{rate} = (2.0 \times 10^{-6}) \times (0.06) \times (0.18)^2$
$(0.18)^2 = \mathbf{0.0324}$
$\text{rate} = 2.0 \times 10^{-6} \times 0.06 \times 0.0324$
$\text{rate} = \mathbf{3.888 \times 10^{-9} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}}$
$\text{rate} \approx \mathbf{3.89 \times 10^{-9} \text{ mol L}^{-1} \text{ s}^{-1}}$