The following data were reported (from C. N. Hinshelwood and P. J. Ackey, Proc. R. Soc. [Lond]., A115, 215) for a gas-phase constant-volume decomposition of dimethyl ether at 504°C in a batch reactor. Initially, only (CH₃)₂O was present.

a. Why do you think the total pressure measurement at t = 0 is missing? Can you estimate it?
b. Assuming that the reaction (CH₃)₂O → CH₄ + H₂ + CO is irreversible and goes virtually to completion, determine the reaction order and specific reaction rate k.
c. How would the data and your answers change if the reaction were run at a higher temperature? A lower temperature?

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Time (s) 390 777 1195 3155 % Total Pressure (mmHg) 408 488 562 799 931