The rate of reaction between two reactants A and B decreases by a factor of 4 if the concentration of reactant B is doubled. The order of reaction with respect to reactant B is:
Show Hint
If increasing concentration decreases rate, the reaction order is negative.
Step 1: Let the rate law be:
Rate ∝ [B]ⁿ
Step 2: When concentration of B is doubled:
fracNew rateOld rate = (2)ⁿ
Step 3: Given that rate decreases by a factor of 4:
(2)ⁿ = (1)/(4) = 2⁻2
⟹ n = -1