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

2762 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do ionisation energies increase across a period?


What's the difference between an electrophile and a nucleophile?


Why does ice float on water? Use the structure of different states of matter to support your answer.


Explain why benzene requires use of a halogen carrier catalyst to react with bromine while phenol does not.


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