Negative Order
A reaction rate can have a negative partial order with respect to a substance. For example the conversion of ozone (O3) to oxygen follows the rate equation, corresponding to second order in ozone and order (-1) with respect to oxygen.
When a partial order is negative, the overall order is usually considered as undefined. In the above example for instance, the reaction is not described as first order even though the sum of the partial orders is 2 + (-1) = 1, because the rate equation is more complex than that of a simple first-order reaction.
Read more about this topic: Order (chemistry)
Famous quotes containing the words negative and/or order:
“Parents need to recognize that the negative behavior accompanying certain stages is just a small part of the total child. It should not become the main focus or be pushed into the limelight.”
—Saf Lerman (20th century)
“Franz now peddles racist newspapers. He is not against the Jews, but he is for law and order. For law and order must reign in Paradise; which everyone should recognize.”
—Alfred Döblin (1878–1957)