Question

Which of the following statements about the order of reaction is true?

• A. A second order reaction is also bimolecular
• B. The order of a reaction can only be determined by experiment
• C. The order of a reaction increases with increase in temperature
• D. The order of a reaction can be determined from the balanced equation

Answer 1

The correct option is B The order of a reaction can only be determined by experiment

In the case of complex reaction order depends on the slowest step. In the case of single step reactions if the concentration of one or more reactants is very large compared to others, then they do not appear in the rate equation. In such cases the order cannot be obtained from the theoretical balanced chemical equation. Hence it has to be decided experimentally as given under option (b).