with a=1 for the decomposition of N2O5 and a 2 for the decomposition of
NO2. The decomposition of N2O5 is an example of a first-order reaction, because
its rate is proportional to the first power of the concentration (that is, a 1). The
decomposition of NO2 is an example of a second-order reaction, because its rate
is proportional to the second power of the concentration (that is, a 2). Doubling
the concentration of a reactant in a first-order reaction doubles the reaction rate.
Doubling the concentration of the reactant in any second-order reaction increases
the reaction rate by a factor of 22 4.
Mos