1) Start the experiment and monitor concentration at various times Plot A vs t - If linear – zero order
2) Plot Ln A vs t – If linear – first order
3) Plot 1/A vs t – If linear – second order
Problem 1: Finding the Rate Constant and Order of a Reaction
The following are data from an experiment to assess the disinfection of a water supply with a given dosage of chlorine. Using Excel, generate 3 plots assuming zero, first, and second order kinetics. Show R2 and equation on the plots (use trendline feature in excel). Find the k value of the best fit. You have to turn in 3 plots and indicate the best fit and a corresponding k-value. Also indicate the order of the reaction. (Problem modified from: Sawyer et al., 2003. Chemistry for Envi. Engr. & Science, McGraw Hill).
Time (min) 0 10 20 30 60
% Bacteria Remaining 100 70 21 6.3 0.6