Chlorine dioxide reacts in basic water to form chlorite and chlorate according to the following chemical equation: 2ClO₂(aq) + 2OH^-(aq) $\rarr$ ClO₂^-(aq) + ClO₃^-(aq) + H₂O(l)
Under a certain set of conditions, the initial rate of disappearance of chlorine dioxide was determined to be 2.30 x 10^-1 M/s. What is the initial rate of appearance of chlorite ion under those same conditions

Question

Chlorine dioxide reacts in basic water to form chlorite and chlorate according to the following chemical equation: 2ClO₂(aq) + 2OH^-(aq)

\rarr

ClO₂^-(aq) + ClO₃^-(aq) + H₂O(l)
Under a certain set of conditions, the initial rate of disappearance of chlorine dioxide was determined to be 2.30 x 10^-1 M/s. What is the initial rate of appearance of chlorite ion under those same conditions

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the chemical equation, for every 2 molecules of chlorine dioxide that react, 1 molecule of chlorite ion is produced. Therefore, the initial rate of appearance of chlorite ion would be half the initial rate of disappearance of chlorine dioxide. 
(2.30 x 10^-1 M/s) / 2 = 1.15 x 10^-1 M/s, which corresponds to choice B.

Chlorine Dioxide Reacts in Basic Water to Form Chlorite and Chlorate