Parts (a)–(f) of this assessment refer to the rotation around the single bond of ethane.

(b) What is the order of the reaction with regard to ethane?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: The question refers to the rotation around the single bond in ethane (C₂H₆). This involves the concept of conformational analysis, which studies the spatial arrangement of atoms due to rotation about single bonds.
2. Recall that the rotation around a single bond in ethane is not a chemical reaction but a physical process. The energy barrier for this rotation arises from torsional strain due to the repulsion between electron clouds in the bonding orbitals of adjacent hydrogens.
3. Recognize that the term 'order of reaction' typically applies to chemical reactions and describes how the rate of a reaction depends on the concentration of reactants. Since this problem involves rotation around a single bond, it is not a chemical reaction, and the concept of reaction order does not directly apply.
4. If the question is asking about the energy profile of the rotation, consider the potential energy diagram for ethane. The energy varies as the molecule rotates, with staggered conformations being at energy minima and eclipsed conformations at energy maxima.
5. Conclude that the question may be testing your understanding of the distinction between physical processes (like bond rotation) and chemical reactions. Clarify that the concept of reaction order is not relevant to the rotation of ethane's single bond.

Key Concepts

Single Bond Rotation

Single bond rotation refers to the ability of atoms connected by a single bond to rotate freely around that bond. In ethane, this rotation leads to different conformations, such as staggered and eclipsed forms, which can influence the molecule's stability and energy. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing the dynamics of ethane and its reactivity.

Reaction Order

Reaction order is a term used in chemical kinetics to describe the relationship between the concentration of reactants and the rate of a reaction. It is determined by the sum of the powers of the concentration terms in the rate law. For ethane, understanding its reaction order helps in predicting how changes in concentration affect the reaction rate.

Kinetics of Ethane Reactions

The kinetics of ethane reactions involves studying how the molecular structure and bond rotations influence the speed and mechanism of chemical reactions. Ethane, being a simple alkane, often undergoes reactions that can be analyzed through its rotational conformations, which can affect the activation energy and transition states during reactions.