For a chemical reaction involving reactants P and Q, the rate law is given as Rate = k[ P ][ Q ]^ 1/2 . If the initial concentration of P is halved and the initial concentration of Q is quadrupled, the initial rate of the reaction will

Step-by-step solution

The given rate law is: Rate ₁ = k[ P ][ Q ]^ 1/2 When the concentration of P is halved and Q is quadrupled, the new rate becomes: Rate ₂ = k ( [ P ] 2 ) (4[ Q ] )^ 1/2 Rate ₂ = k ( [ P ] 2 ) 2[ Q ]^ 1/2 Rate ₂ = k[ P ][ Q ]^ 1/2 = Rate ₁ Thus, the initial rate remains unchanged. Answer: remain unchanged.