Kinetics rates of reaction

The table below shows data for the decomposition of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid when heated in
solution.
C6H2(NO2)3COOH(aq) C6H3(NO2)3(aq) + CO2(g)
time (min)
0
18
31
55
79
157
Infinity

concentration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid (mol dm-3 )

2.77 x 10-4
2.32 x 10-4
2.05 x 10-4
1.59 x 10-4
1.26 x 10-4
0.58 x 10-4
0.00

1. Plot a graph of concentration of 2,4,6 - trinitrobenzoic acid (vertical axis) against time. [Use a large
piece of graph paper, as you will have to draw tangents to the curve.]
2. Place your ruler under the curve at time 0, with the long edge of the ruler hugging the curve. Note
the slope of the ruler. Move the ruler slowly along the curve.
(a) When is the rate of the reaction greatest and when is it least?
(b) Suggest a reason why the rate of reaction is changing.
3. Take this graph and construct tangents to the curve at 10, 50, 100 and 150 minutes. Calculate the
slopes and copy and complete the table below.
time (min)

concentration (mol dm-3)

slope
(mol dm-3 min-1)

rate
(mol dm-3 min-1)

10
50
100
150
4. Plot a graph of rate of reaction (vertical axis) against concentration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid.
(a) Does your graph go through the origin? Explain why it should.
(b) Use your graph to state the relationship between rate of reaction and concentration of
reactant.
i) in words
ii) mathematically.