Kinetics and Reaction Rates (AP Chemistry)

Here, we work through an AP Chemistry multiple choice question (MCQ) that focuses on kinetics and reaction rates. Specifically, we look at the method of initial rates, where we look at how the initial concentration of a reactant changes, and see what effect that has on the rate of the reaction. There are a number of different ways to solve a problem like this: we will look at a logic-based approach and then some more mathematical methods. Most importantly, we have to determine whether the reaction is zero order, first order, or second order with respect to the various reactants. This allows us to write a rate law equation. This problem is specifically written for the AP Chemistry test, but it also may be useful for other tests and curriculum such as MCAT, OAT, DAT, SAT, IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, CBSE, JEE, and NEET.