Question

What is the order of reaction for decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 1.5
• D. 0

Hint:

In some reactions, the order can be fractional, such as 1.5. This typically indicates a complex reaction mechanism or the involvement of intermediate steps.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the reaction order.
The decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde (CH\(_3\)CHO) follows a reaction with fractional order. Experimental data show that the reaction order for this process is 1.5, meaning the reaction rate depends on both the first and second powers of the concentration of acetaldehyde.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 1: This is incorrect. The reaction is not a simple first-order reaction.
(B) 2: This is incorrect. The reaction is not second order.
(C) 1.5: Correct — The order of the reaction is 1.5.
(D) 0: This is incorrect. A zero-order reaction would imply that the rate of reaction does not depend on the concentration, which is not the case here.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) 1.5.