The rate of chemical reaction : (Non-zero order)

Options

A. Increases as the reaction proceeds
B. Decreases as the reaction proceeds
C. May increase or decrease during reaction
D. Remains constant as the reaction proceeds

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the behavior of the rate of a non-zero order chemical reaction, we will analyze the rate equation and how it changes as the concentration of the reactant changes over time.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Rate Equation**:
The rate of a chemical reaction can be expressed as:
\[ R = k[A]^n \]
where:
- \( R \) is the rate of the reaction,
- \( k \) is the rate constant,
- \( [A] \) is the concentration of the reactant,
- \( n \) is the order of the reaction.

2. **Identifying Non-Zero Order**:
For a non-zero order reaction, \( n \) can be either positive or negative:
- If \( n > 0 \): The rate depends on the concentration of \( A \).
- If \( n < 0 \): The rate will still depend on the concentration of \( A \), but in a different manner.

3. **Case 1: Positive Order Reaction (n > 0)**:
- As the reaction proceeds, the concentration of \( A \) decreases because it is being consumed.
- Since \( n \) is positive, the rate \( R \) will decrease as \( [A] \) decreases.
- Therefore, for a positive order reaction, the rate **decreases** over time.

4. **Case 2: Negative Order Reaction (n < 0)**:
- In this case, as the concentration of \( A \) decreases, the rate equation can be rewritten as:
\[ R = k[A]^{-n} = \frac{k}{[A]^{|n|}} \]
- Here, \( |n| \) is a positive number since \( n \) is negative.
- As \( [A] \) decreases, the denominator decreases, leading to an **increase** in the rate \( R \).

5. **Conclusion**:
- For a non-zero order reaction:
- If \( n > 0 \), the rate decreases.
- If \( n < 0 \), the rate increases.
- Therefore, the rate of a non-zero order reaction can either **increase or decrease** depending on whether the order is positive or negative.

### Final Answer:
The correct option is that the rate of a non-zero order reaction may **increase or decrease** during the reaction.