Oscillations in First-Order Reactions #worldresearchawards #researchaward #researcher #reactionrates
First-order reactions are typically described as simple and predictable: the reaction rate depends only on the concentration of a single reactant, leading to smooth exponential decay over time. However, under certain conditions, chemists observe unexpected oscillations in reaction yield—periodic rises and falls in product concentration rather than a steady progression toward equilibrium. This video explores the fascinating chemistry behind this seemingly contradictory behavior. Oscillations usually arise not from the basic first-order step itself, but from the broader reaction environment. When intermediate species participate in feedback loops—either accelerating or inhibiting reaction pathways—the system becomes dynamic and non-linear. For example, an intermediate may catalyze its own formation (positive feedback) while another product suppresses it (negative feedback). The competition between these effects causes concentration waves that appear as yield oscillations. Another impor...