Chemical Kinetics and Rate Laws (5E) Practice Test

In a stopped-flow experiment modeling detoxification in hepatocytes, an enzyme-mimetic catalyst converts a reactive aldehyde (A) to a less reactive alcohol (P) in aqueous buffer at 25°C: A → P. Initial rates were measured while varying A with catalyst concentration held constant and saturating NADH present. Rates were recorded within the first 5 s to minimize product inhibition.

What is the reaction order with respect to A based on the initial-rate data?

In an environmental chemistry study of coastal waters, the degradation of a pollutant (P) is monitored under sunlight. The pollutant reacts with hydroxyl radicals (•OH): P + •OH → products. Using a radical generator, •OH is held constant at a low steady-state value while P is varied. Initial rates are measured immediately after illumination.

Based on the data, what is the order of the reaction with respect to P?