1. What is Average Reaction Rate?

The average reaction rate measures how the concentration of a reactant changes over a specific time interval during a chemical reaction. It provides insight into the speed of a chemical reaction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the average reaction rate formula:

Where:

• \( \Delta[A] \) — Change in concentration of reactant A (M)
• \( \Delta t \) — Change in time (s)

Explanation: The negative sign indicates that the concentration of the reactant decreases over time as the reaction proceeds.

3. Importance of Average Reaction Rate Calculation

Details: Calculating average reaction rates is fundamental in chemical kinetics for understanding reaction mechanisms, determining rate laws, and predicting how long reactions will take to complete.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the change in concentration (Δ[A]) in molarity (M) and the change in time (Δt) in seconds (s). Time must be a positive value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a negative sign in the formula?
A: The negative sign indicates that the concentration of the reactant decreases over time. By convention, reaction rates are expressed as positive values.

Q2: What's the difference between average and instantaneous reaction rate?
A: Average rate measures change over a time interval, while instantaneous rate is the rate at a specific moment in time (the derivative of concentration with respect to time).

Q3: Can this calculator be used for products?
A: For products, the formula would be positive (Δ[P]/Δt) since product concentration increases over time.

Q4: What are typical units for reaction rate?
A: Reaction rates are typically expressed in M/s (molarity per second) or mol/L·s.

Q5: How does temperature affect reaction rate?
A: Generally, reaction rates increase with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation, as higher temperatures provide more energy for successful collisions.