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Definition of rate of reaction
The change in concentration, of a reactant or product, in a given time.
What are the key factors that affect the rate of reaction?
- Concentration
- Pressure
- Catalyst
- Temperature
- Surface area
Write the general formula for a rate equation
Rate = k[X][Y][Z]
What is an overall equation?
This tells us the mole ratios of reactants and products.
What is the rate equation?
This tells us about the kinetics of the reaction, i.e. what controls the rate at which the reaction occurs and so how the rate can be increased.
Definition of the rate determining step
The slowest step in the reaction mechanism.
Explain how to determine if a reactant is zero order
If changing the concentration of a reactant (Z) does not change the rate, this means the reaction is zero order with respect to Z.
Explain how to determine if a reactant is first order
If changing the concentration of a reactant (X) changes the rate in the same way (proportionally) this means the reaction is first order with respect to X.
Explain how to determine if a reactant is second order
If changing the concentration of the reactant (Y), e.g X2 and the rate (X2)^2 i.e, X4, then this means the reaction is second order with respect to Y.
How to calculate the overall order of the reaction?
Total up all the orders of the species in the rate equation
How can a graph be used to calculate the rate at a given time?
Draw a tangent to the curve and calculate the gradient of the tangent.
Which equation is used to calculate the gradient of a line?
(Difference in Y) / (Difference in X)
(Change in concentration) / (change in time)
What happens to the rate as the reaction progresses?
Rtae decreases as the reaction progresses as there are fewer reactant molecules per unit volume so less frequent collisions so fewer successful collisions.
Definition of half-life
The time taken for the concentration to fall to half of its orginal value.
Explain the relationship between half-life and a first order reaction
the half-life of a first order reaction is constant.
The half-life of a first order reaction is independent of the concentration of the reactant.