Rate of reaction

Definition

The rate of reaction is the speed at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction. It is typically measured as the change in concentration of reactants or products per unit time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rate of reaction can be influenced by factors such as temperature, concentration, surface area, and the presence of a catalyst.
2. The rate law expresses the relationship between the rate of a chemical reaction and the concentration of its reactants.
3. Reaction order refers to the power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate law.
4. Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur, influencing its rate.
5. $k$ is the rate constant in the rate law equation $r = k[A]^m[B]^n$, where $r$ is the rate, $[A]$ and $[B]$ are concentrations, and $m$ and $n$ are orders with respect to each reactant.

Review Questions

• What factors can influence the rate of a chemical reaction?
• How does activation energy affect the rate of reaction?
• Explain what is meant by reaction order in relation to a given reactant.

Related terms

Rate Law:

An equation that links the reaction rate with concentrations or pressures of reactants and constant parameters (usually rate coefficients).

Activation Energy:

The minimum energy that must be provided to compounds for them to undergo a chemical transformation.

Catalyst:

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent chemical change itself.