What is the rate of a reaction and how can you determine it experimentally?

The rate of a reaction is the rate at which reagents are used up and product are formed. Reaction rates depend on concentration. A typical rate law is rate=k*[A]m*[B]n. To find the values of m and n we will keep the value of [B] constant and plot [A] vs t (time). If the plot is linear then the order with respect to A is 0, so m=0. If this is not the case, we plot ln[A] vs t. If the plot is linear then it is a first order with respect to A and m=1. If neither of these happen we plot 1/[A] vs t. If the plot is linear than we have a second order reaction with respect to A and m=2. The same method is applied to find out the value of n.

AC
Answered by Antonia C. Chemistry tutor

2595 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why are transition metal ions in water coloured, but sodium in water is not?


The Haber process is used to produce ammonia. (Insert equation here) Explain the optimum conditions for this reaction and why these may differ from the conditions used in industry.


Explain the trend in the first ionisation energies of the group 1 elements


How does increasing/decreasing temperature affect the equilibrium position of the following reaction: CuSO4.5H2O(s) ⇌ CuSO4(s) + H2O(l) ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning