Calculating Rates of Reaction (GCSE Chemistry)
Calculating Rates of Reaction
Rates of Reaction
Slow and Fast Reactions
- Some reactions occur very slowly. It takes a very long time for a piece of iron to rust, meaning that this has a very slow rate of reaction.
- Some reactions occur very quickly. It takes a very short time for an explosion to occur, meaning that this has a very fast rate of reaction. Often explosions can take less than a second, as all the reactants are fully used up within that time.
Calculating Mean Rate of Reaction
- Reactions can be timed. We can measure the amount of time it takes for a reaction to occur. This is the first factor that we need to know in order to calculate the rate of a reaction.
- Product and reactant quantities can be measured. We can measure the quantity of reactant used up, or quantity of product formed in a reaction. This is the second factor that we need to know in order to calculate the rate of a reaction.
- Reactions have an end point. When one of the reactants has been completely used up, the reaction will stop. This is the end-point of the reaction, meaning that the reaction is over.
There are two simple equations we need to know for exams. These equations will help you to calculate the mean rate of reaction.
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Units
- Rate of reaction has units. The rate of reaction is measured in two units. These are g/s or cm3/s. If the product or reactant is a solid, then they will be measured in grams. If the product or reactant is a liquid, then they will be measured in cm3.
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