Error Analysis of Absolute Rate Coefficient Extrapolated Under Pseudo-First Order Conditions

Abstract

Computer based simulations for the three-body recombination reaction of nitrogen (II) oxide with the hydroxyl radical have been used to estimate the error associated with the pseudo -first orderapproximation under different simulated conditions. For the absolute rate coefficients calculated by dividing the pseudo -first order constant by the concentration of the reactant in excess, the analysis of the relative error associated with working under pseudo -first order conditions shows that for a reactiants’ ratio higher than 10, the relative error is less than 5%.