Final answer:
The rate law for the reaction between compounds X and Y, given that the reaction is first-order with respect to each reactant and with a rate constant k of 1.25 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹s⁻¹, is rate = k[X][Y]. By substituting the values, the rate is 1.25 × 10⁻³ M/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question pertains to the determination of rate laws in chemistry, particularly involving reaction kinetics. The rate law explains how the rate of a chemical reaction is affected by the concentration of the reactants. Since the given values are that x = 1 and y = 1 for compounds X and Y, and the rate constant k is provided as 1.25 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹s⁻¹, the rate law can be deduced from these values.
From the information given, we understand that the reaction is first-order with respect to each reactant because doubling the concentration causes the reaction rate to double. Therefore, the rate law for the reaction of compound X with compound Y is rate = k[X][Y]. With everything plugged in the rate is rate = (1.25 × 10⁻³ M⁻¹s⁻¹)(1.0 M)(1.0 M), which simplifies to rate = 1.25 × 10⁻³ M/s since the concentration values of X and Y are both 1.0 M and remain unchanged.