`"1 dm"^(3)` of `2 M CH_(3)COOH` is mixed with `"1 dm"^(3)` of 3 M ethanol to form ester. The decrease in the initial rate if each solution is diluted with an equal volume of water would be

Options

A. 2 times
B. 4 times
C. 0.25 times
D. 0.5 times

Answer

C

Explanation

Let rate, `r=k[CH_(3)COOH][C_(2)H_(5)OH]`
`r_(1)=k(a) (b)`
`r_(2) = k(a//2) (b//2)`
`(r_(2))/(r_(1))=(1)/(4)` or `r_(2) = 0.25 r_(1)`