Rates of reaction Flashcards
How can we show the rate of a reaction?
Use a graph with amount of product formed on the y axis and time on the x
Alternatively, the graph has reactant used on y axis instead
On a graph with amount of product formed, what shape is the curve and why?
Curve is upwards
Because the reactant molecules become the product molecules thus increase in product formed
On a graph with amount of reactant used, what shape is the curve and why?
Curve is downwards
Because the reactant molecules form product molecules thus there’s a decrease in reactant
On these graphs, what does the curve and its gradient show?
The rate of reaction at that specific point
On a product formed graph, what structure does the curve usually follow and why?
Begins increasing rapidly = product formed quickly = more collisions = more reactant particles to collide
Flattens out because less reactant particles = less collisions = less product made
On a reactant used graph, what structure does the graph usually follow and why?
Rapid decreasing = the most number of reactant particles = more collisions = more product being made so less particles all together
Flattens because less reactant particles = less collisions = less reactant used
When does a reaction stop?
No more reactant molecules
What do you measure a solid product in?
grams (g)
What do you measure a gas product in?
Cm3
Mean rate of reaction
Average rate of reaction over the whole reaction
How to find the mean rate of reaction?
Amount of product formed/ reactant used
———————————————
Total time taken of reaction
What is the rate of reaction measured in?
g/s or cm3/s
What is important about the mean rate when calculating it?
You do not need to use a graph, just the total amount divided by the total time
What do you need when calculating the rate at a specific point?
A tangent on the graph!!!
Why do you need to draw a tangent to find rate at a specific point?
Because the curve constantly changes, so does the rate
So you must estimate it with a tangent