A student investigates the first–order decomposition of compound X in aqueous solution. Three trials are carried out under the conditions shown.
Trial
[X]₀ (mol·L⁻¹)
Temperature (°C)
1
0.10
25
2
0.20
25
3
0.10
45
Assume no catalyst is present in any trial.
(a) Rank the three trials from fastest to slowest initial reaction rate. Write your ranking in the form "___ > ___ > ___."
(b) Justify your ranking in part (a) by referring explicitly to collision theory and to the kinetic factors that differ among the trials.
(c) Identify the pair of trials that most clearly isolates the effect of temperature on the rate, and explain why that pair allows the effect of temperature to be observed without interference from other factors.