Provide an example of the first, second and zero order reactions.

Examples of first, second and zero order reactions

First order reactions involve the breakdown of one reactant at a time, with a rate proportional to its concentration. An example of a first order reaction is radioactive decay, where the rate of decay is proportional to the amount of radioactive material present. Another example is the breakdown of ethanol in the liver, where the rate of breakdown is proportional to the concentration of ethanol.

Second order reactions involve the breakdown of two reactants at a time, with a rate proportional to their concentrations. An example of a second order reaction is the reaction between hydrogen and iodine to form hydrogen iodide, where the rate of reaction is proportional to the concentrations of both hydrogen and iodine. Another example is the reaction between nitric oxide and oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide, where the rate of reaction is proportional to the concentrations of both reactants.

Zero order reactions involve the breakdown of a reactant at a constant rate, independent of its concentration. An example of a zero order reaction is the breakdown of aspirin in the body, where the rate of breakdown is constant regardless of the concentration of aspirin. Another example is the breakdown of alcohol in the liver, where the rate of breakdown is constant regardless of the concentration of alcohol.