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Bimolecular reaction

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Intro to Chemistry

Definition

A bimolecular reaction is a chemical reaction that involves two reactant molecules colliding and reacting to form products. The rate of such reactions depends on the concentration of both reactants.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The rate law for a bimolecular reaction is generally expressed as $rate = k[A][B]$, where $k$ is the rate constant and $[A]$ and $[B]$ are the concentrations of the reactants.
  2. Bimolecular reactions have a second-order overall reaction order because the sum of the exponents in their rate law is two.
  3. The units of the rate constant $k$ for a bimolecular reaction are typically $\text{M}^{-1}\text{s}^{-1}$.
  4. Examples of bimolecular reactions include substitution reactions (SN2) and certain types of enzyme-catalyzed processes.
  5. Temperature, catalysts, and solvent can significantly influence the rate constant $k$ in bimolecular reactions.

Review Questions

  • What is the general form of the rate law for a bimolecular reaction?
  • Why are bimolecular reactions considered second-order reactions?
  • How can temperature affect the rate constant in a bimolecular reaction?
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