The general formula for the
rate of a reaction is: Amount
of product formed or amount
of reactants used divided by
time. This is basic.
To be able to do this, you need
to continuously monitor a
reaction and record changes of
a certain variable over time.
For example, you can measure the
mass of the reaction every 1
minute for a certain period, and
then repeat this at different
concentrations of a certain reactan.
Reaction order tells you how changing the
concentration of a certain reactant changes
the rate.
O order means it has no effect, first
order means the rate is directly
proportional to the concentration and
second order means the reaction is 2
squared (4) times faster.
You work the rate out from time by doing 1
divided by time, if both rate doubles as
reactant concentration doubles, it is first
order etc.
Rate using graph.
YOU can also plot a graph of
concentration against time.
To work out the rate, just work out the
gradient using, change in y divided by change in
x.
The rate equation = k[A] to
the power of m x [B] to
the power of n.
m and n are the
reaction orders e.g.
first or second. k is
the rate constant.
The initial rates method allows you to work out the rate
at 0 seconds by drawing a tangent if it's a curve and then
working out its gradient.
The clock reaction
This is where you measure the
time taken for a certain amount
of product to form while changing
the concentration of one
reactant.
The iodine clock reaction uses Hydrogen
peroxide and Potassium Iodide to form
Iodine which instantly reacts with Sodium
Thiosulfate.
Annotations:
Sulfuric acid is also required.
Starch is added to mark the
endpoint when Sodium
Thiosulfate runs out. The
solution suddenly turns
blue-black as KI reacts with starch.
Measure time taken for colour change
at different concentrations of Hydrogen
Peroxide and KI but make sure the
overall volume stays the same.
The rate-determining step
Some reactions often
have two or more steps.
You have to find the slower of the two steps.
This will be the rate-determining step.
The Arrhenius equation
The rate constant = Ae to the
power of -Ea/RT
Annotations:
A = The Arrhenius constant
e = The exponential of...
Ea = Activation energy
R = the gas constant (8.31)
T = Temperature (K)