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JEE Chemistry
Class 11 Chapter 3

Test your Knowledge

question 1 of 5

Chemical kinetics is the branch of chemistry that deals with the:

1.Heat changes during a reaction
2.Equilibrium state of a reaction
3.Rate of a chemical reaction
4.Composition of a compound

Must-Revise Concepts

Activation energy

Adsorption theory heterogeneous catalyst

Catalysis

Catalyst

Catalytic property

Chemical kinetics

D and f block catalyst

Enzyme catalyst

Heterogeneous catalyst

Integrated rate equations and halflife

Order and Molecularity of Reaction

Rate law and specific rate constant

Rate of a reaction (average and instantaneous)

Third order reaction

Actinides

Class 12 Chemistry Chapters List:- JEE & NEET Revision Notes

Chapter 1 Solutions

Chapter 2 Electrochemistry

Chapter 3 Chemical Kinetics

Chapter 4 d- and f-Block Elements

Chapter 5 Coordination Compounds

Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Chapter 7 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers

Chapter 8 Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Chapter 9 Amines

Chapter 10 Biomolecules

Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical Kinetics is the branch of chemistry that studies the rate of chemical reactions and the factors affecting reaction speed.

The Arrhenius equation explains how the rate constant changes with temperature and helps determine the activation energy of a reaction.

Order is determined experimentally from the rate law, whereas molecularity is the number of reacting species involved in an elementary reaction.

Chemical Kinetics is widely used in drug manufacturing, food preservation, industrial processes, environmental chemistry, and catalysis.

It is a high-weightage Physical Chemistry chapter that frequently includes conceptual, formula-based, graph-based, and numerical questions on reaction rates, integrated rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation.

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Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 3: Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics is one of the most important chapters in Class 12 Physical Chemistry, focusing on the rate at which chemical reactions occur and the factors that influence them. The chapter covers rate laws, order and molecularity of reactions, integrated rate equations, collision theory, activation energy, Arrhenius equation, and reaction mechanisms. Since it combines theoretical concepts with numerical problem-solving, it is a high-scoring chapter for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE Board examinations.

At ALLEN, Chapter 3: Chemical Kinetics study resources are prepared by expert chemistry faculty to simplify Chemical Kinetics through concise theory, concept-based explanations, important formulas, solved numerical examples, shortcut calculation techniques, previous years' question (PYQ) trends, and exam-oriented revision tips. These notes help students build conceptual clarity while improving speed and accuracy in solving kinetics-based numerical questions.

1.0Chapter Snapshot

Parameter

Details

Difficulty Level

Moderate

JEE Main Weightage

Medium (Generally 1–2 Questions)

JEE Advanced Weightage

Medium (1–2 Integrated Concepts)

Key Concepts Covered

Rate Law, Order of Reaction, Integrated Rate Equations, Half-life, Arrhenius Equation, Activation Energy

2.0Chapter 3 Smart Study Material by ALLEN Experts: Download PDFs

Resource

Access

Chapter Mock Test Paper

Chapter Mock Test Solutions

Practice Paper with Solution

Chemical Kinetics: Definition, Rate of Reaction, Types

Imagine the reaction between hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) to form water vapour (H2O). This reaction produces energy and is crucial for various processes, including combustion and respiration.

The chemical equation for this reaction is:

2H2​O+O2​→2H2​O

Chemical kinetics would involve studying how quickly this reaction occurs and what factors impact its speed. Factors like temperature, concentration of the gases, and the presence of a catalyst influence the rate at which hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water.

1.0Definition of Chemical Kinetics

Chemical kinetics, or reaction kinetics, helps us understand how fast reactions occur and what factors affect their speed. It also assists in gathering data about how reactions happen and what defines their characteristics.

In a chemical reaction, substances change into different ones by breaking and forming chemical bonds, causing shifts in how atoms are arranged in molecules and changes in electron arrangements. 

A description of a reaction mechanism focuses on how atoms and electrons move and their speeds. The specific process by which a chemical change happens is called the reaction pathway.

Related Video:

2.0Rate of Reaction

The rate of a reaction measures how quickly products are made and reactants are used up. In chemical systems, we often use substance concentrations, which show the amount of a substance in a given volume. 

The rate can then be described as the change in concentration of a substance over time. Sometimes, it's easier to express rates as the number of molecules formed or used up per unit time.                                   

Chemical Kinetics


 Rate of reaction = Time taken in change  Change in Concentration of reactant or Product ​orr=±ΔtΔC​

Where, ΔC = change in concentration in a small interval Δt

[+] sign is used when we refer for product concentration.

[–] sign is used when we refer for reactant concentration

1.0Types of Rate of Reaction

There are mainly two types of rate of reaction we are going to discuss, which involve the average and the instantaneous rate

Types of Rates of reactions-

  1. Average Rate of Reaction                               
  2. Instantaneous Rate of Reaction
  3. Average Rate of Reaction-

The rate of reaction over a certain measurable period of time during the course of reaction is called the average rate of reaction. It is denoted by raverage.

For a reaction   A → B

raverage​=(t2​−t1​[A]2​−[A]1​​)=ΔtΔ[A]​

Where, [A]1 = Concentration of reactant A at time t1,

[A]2 = Concentration of reactant A at time t2.

  1. Instantaneous Rate of Reaction-

The rate of reaction at any particular instant during the course of reaction is called the instantaneous rate of reaction.

Instantaneous Rate of Reaction

                           

For a reaction,                                     A→ B

Mathematically ;   

 Instantaneous rate =limΔt→0​ (Average rate) 

rinst ​=limΔt→0​(ΔtΔ[A]​)=limt→0​(ΔtΔ[B]​)

or

rinst ​=(−)dtd[A]​=(−)dtd[B]​

Hence, Slope of the tangent at time t in the plot of concentration with time gives an instantaneous rate of reaction.

Instantaneous rate of reaction 

limΔt→0​(土ΔtΔC​)=±dtdC​

2.0Rate Law

The experimental expression of the rate of reaction in terms of the concentration of reactants is known as the rate law. In this expression, the rate of a reaction is proportional to the product of the molar concentration of reactants with each term raised to the power or exponent that has to be found experimentally.

In a chemical reaction: aA + bB → Product

The rate law is:  

 Rate ∝[A]x[B]y∣

The values of exponents x and y are found experimentally which may or may not be the same as stoichiometric coefficients.

Above relationship can be written as :- 

 Rate =k[A]x[B]y

 Where, k is a proportionality constant known as the rate constant.

Rate constant :

In a chemical reaction –    

n1A + n2B   →   m1C + m2D                               

According to the law of mass action -

Rate = k [A]n1[B]n2               

But according to the rate law (experimental concept)

Rate = k [A]x [B]y

if [A] = [B] = 1 mol/L

then, Rate = k

  • Rate of reaction at unit concentration of reactants is called rate constant or specific reaction rate. 
  • Rate constant does not depend on concentration of reactant but it depends on temperature and catalyst.

3.0Order of Reaction

The sum of powers of concentration of reactants in rate law expression is known as order of reaction.

For the reaction aA + bB → Product

Rate law is,     Rate = k [A]x [B]y

Here, x = order of reaction with respect to A

y = order of reaction with respect to B

x + y = n (overall order of reaction)

  • Order of reaction may be zero, positive, negative or fractional.
  • Order of reaction is an experimental quantity, which will help us to solve numerical problems on Chemical Kinetics. 

Units of Rate Constant (k)

Rate = k[A]n

​k=[A]nr​=[ unit of concentration ]n unit of rate ​=[Lmol​]nLmol​×time−1​k=[Lmol​]1−n×time−1​

For gaseous reaction unit of k may be = (atm)1–n × time–1

Also Read:-  

Thermodynamics in Chemistry

Chemical Equilibrium

Surface Chemistry

Mole Concept

Stoichiometry and Redox Reactions

Atomic Structure

Enzyme Catalyst

Basic Mole Concept

Buffer Solutions

1.0Learning Outcomes

After completing these revision notes, you will be able to:

  • Define the rate of a chemical reaction and identify factors affecting it.
  • Differentiate between average rate and instantaneous rate.
  • Explain rate law and determine the order of a reaction.
  • Distinguish between order and molecularity.
  • Apply integrated rate equations for zero, first, and second-order reactions.
  • Calculate half-life and relate it to reaction order.
  • Understand collision theory and activation energy.
  • Apply the Arrhenius equation to solve temperature-dependent rate constant problems.

2.0Quick Revision Checklist

Must-Revise Concepts

  • Rate of Reaction
  • Average Rate
  • Instantaneous Rate
  • Factors Affecting Reaction Rate
  • Rate Law
  • Rate Constant
  • Order of Reaction
  • Molecularity
  • Zero-Order Reaction
  • First-Order Reaction
  • Second-Order Reaction
  • Integrated Rate Equations
  • Half-Life Period
  • Units of Rate Constant
  • Collision Theory
  • Activation Energy
  • Arrhenius Equation
  • Temperature Dependence of Rate Constant
  • Catalyst
  • Energy Profile Diagram

Formula & Calculation Checklist

Revise the following formulas and calculations before attempting numerical questions.

  • Average Rate Formula
  • Instantaneous Rate Formula
  • Rate Law Expression
  • Zero-Order Integrated Rate Equation
  • First-Order Integrated Rate Equation
  • Second-Order Integrated Rate Equation
  • Half-Life Formula for Zero-Order Reaction
  • Half-Life Formula for First-Order Reaction
  • Half-Life Formula for Second-Order Reaction
  • Arrhenius Equation
  • Two-Temperature Arrhenius Equation
  • Activation Energy Calculation
  • Rate Constant Units
  • Collision Frequency Relation

3.0High Weightage Topics

Topic

Key Theoretical Focus

Rate Law

Determination of rate equation and reaction order

Order & Molecularity

Differences, characteristics, and numerical applications

Integrated Rate Equations

Zero, first, and second-order reactions

Half-Life

Relation with reaction order and numerical calculations

Arrhenius Equation

Temperature dependence of rate constant

Activation Energy

Effect on reaction rate and energy profile

Collision Theory

Effective collisions and reaction mechanism

4.0Formula Handbook

The following formulas are essential for solving questions from Chemical Kinetics in CBSE Board, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET examinations.

5.0Common Mistakes & Exam Tips

Students often lose marks in Chemical Kinetics due to incorrect application of rate laws and integrated equations. Avoid these common mistakes during revision.

Common Mistake

Correct Approach

Confusing order with molecularity

Order is experimental, while molecularity is based on the reaction mechanism.

Using the wrong integrated rate equation

Identify the reaction order before applying formulas.

Incorrect units of rate constant

Remember that units depend on the order of reaction.

Forgetting logarithmic conversions

Use base-10 and natural logarithms carefully.

Mixing average and instantaneous rate

Read the question carefully before solving.

Ignoring temperature in Arrhenius problems

Use temperature only in Kelvin.

Incorrect half-life formula

Different reaction orders have different half-life equations.

Sign errors in concentration change

Reactants decrease while products increase with time.

6.0ALLEN Faculty Tips

  • Understand the difference between order and molecularity thoroughly.
  • Memorize all integrated rate equations and half-life formulas.
  • Practice Arrhenius equation numericals regularly.
  • Learn the graphical representation of zero-order and first-order reactions.
  • Revise the effect of catalysts and temperature on reaction rate.
  • Solve Previous Years' Questions (PYQs) to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Focus on concept-based learning instead of memorizing formulas alone.

7.0PYQ Trend Analysis

Chemical Kinetics is one of the most important chapters in Physical Chemistry and carries significant weightage in JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, and CBSE Board examinations. Questions are frequently asked on rate law, reaction order, integrated rate equations, Arrhenius equation, and catalysts.

Note: The trend below is based on the analysis of previous years' JEE Main and JEE Advanced question papers. The exact number of questions may vary each year.

Topic

Questions Asked (Last 5 Years)

Average Difficulty

Rate Law & Rate Constant

1–2

Moderate

Order & Molecularity

1–2

Moderate

Integrated Rate Equations

2–3

Moderate

Half-Life

1

Easy–Moderate

Arrhenius Equation

1–2

Moderate

Catalysis

1

Easy

8.0Most Common Question Types

  • Determining the order of a reaction from experimental data.
  • Calculating the rate constant using integrated rate equations.
  • Solving half-life and reaction time problems.
  • Applying the Arrhenius equation to determine activation energy.
  • Comparing order and molecularity.
  • Predicting the effect of temperature and catalysts on reaction rate.
  • Identifying graphs for zero-order and first-order reactions.
  • Solving assertion-reason and concept-based MCQs.

9.0Smart Revision Strategy

Follow this sequence to revise the chapter efficiently:

  1. Revise the definitions of reaction rate, rate law, and rate constant.
  2. Understand the difference between order and molecularity.
  3. Memorize integrated rate equations and half-life formulas.
  4. Practice Arrhenius equation and activation energy numericals.
  5. Revise catalysts and collision theory concepts.
  6. Solve graph-based and concept-based questions.
  7. Practice Previous Years' Questions (PYQs).
  8. End with a timed chapter test to improve speed and accuracy.