Order of a reaction can be — Chemical Kinetics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

I notice the question is incomplete — the options (A, B, C, D) are missing. However, based on standard JEE/NEET Chemistry questions about reaction order, here's what's typically correct: ## Common correct statement about reaction order: **Reaction order can be:** - **Zero, fractional, or negative** (Option D in most textbooks) **Step-by-step reasoning:** 1. **Order from rate law**: Reaction order is determined experimentally from the rate law equation: $\text{rate} = k[A]^m[B]^n$, where $m$ and $n$ are orders with respect to $A$ and $B$. 2. **Integer values**: Order is *not* necessarily equal to stoichiometric coefficients. It can be any positive integer (0, 1, 2...). 3. **Zero order**: Possible when $\text{rate} = k$ (independent of concentration). 4. **Fractional order**: Examples include reactions with orders 1.5, 0.5, etc. (common in chain reactions, photochemical reactions). 5. **Negative order**: Rare but possible in complex mechanisms — rate decreases with increasing reactant concentration. **Why other options fail:** - If option says "only positive integers" → wrong (fractional/negative possible) - If option says "must equal stoichiometric coefficients" → wrong (they're independent) - If option limits to "0 or 1" → wrong (2nd order, 1.5 order exist) **Therefore, D (zero, fractional, or negative)** is correct.