Can rate constant k be negative?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the rate constant (k) in a chemical reaction can take on negative values. This is a fundamental aspect of chemical kinetics, where the rate constant is typically a positive value reflecting the speed of the reaction.
Answer
The rate constant k cannot be negative.
The rate constant k cannot be negative.
Answer for screen readers
The rate constant k cannot be negative.
More Information
The rate constant measures the speed of a reaction and must always be positive. This is because a negative rate constant would imply that the reaction proceeds in a way that is physically implausible.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the rate of disappearance of a reactant, which can be negative, with the rate constant, which cannot.
Sources
- Can rate constant of a chemical reaction be negative? - Quora - quora.com
- Negative Rate Constant? - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
- Select the correct statements - Vedantu - vedantu.com
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