The rate constant of a second-order reaction is 3.86 x 10−2 M-1 s-1. If the concentration of reactant A is 0.160 M after 75.6 sec, what was the initial concentration, [A]o? (Assume the reaction is A → B + C)

answer : third trial had the contaminated sample and the correct value for dhrxn should be 1000 kj/mol

explanation :

let us write down the given equations

equation 1 :

equation 2 :

equation 3 :

let us use hess's law to find out which 2 equations can be added to get the third equation.

let us reverse equation 2 and multiply it by 2. the new equation that we get is,

equation 4 :

let us add equation 1 & 4

the above equation is similar to equation 3 but has different value for dhrxn.

therefore third trial had the contaminated sample and the correct value for dhrxn should be 1000 kj/mol