Reaction Rate is the measure of speed of change in the chemical reaction and the

concentration in the product. It can be calculated by dividing the change in concentration to the
change in time. Its unit is molar per second (M/s). The concentration often decreases at initial
phase, and increases at final phase. The rate can be measured by observing the change of
physical state of the solution, absorption of visible light, and change in pressure that affects the
number of moles of gas.

EXAMPLE: Only one person has a COVID-19 in a group of six people in a specific
area; hence, it is less likely to spread, or even if it will, the rate will be slow. However, if the
infected person is at a gathering of twenty people, within the same area as previously mentioned,
the rate of transmission will be much faster since people are most likely to be in contact with
each other. The same behavior can be applied on the reaction of molecules.

The concentration directly affects the reaction rate. It is stated that when it is pure, the
reaction is fast and often explodes; however, if dilute, the reaction is slow and often steady. The
more presence of reactant concentration in the mixture will make it easier for the particles to
react with each other. In order to calculate the rate constant, the order of the reaction must first
be known. When there are multiple reactants, the order with respect to each must be evaluated.

EXAMPLE: Increasing the concentration of the reactants will make the molecules closer
together due to the less available space. This will improve the reaction rate since the possibility
of the molecules colliding will be higher.

The concentration-time association can be obtained through calculus as the rate of

expression can be integrated. As mentioned earlier, the order of the reaction is the determining
factor for the relationship between rate and concentration. Half life of a reaction can be
calculated to determine the half duration of the reaction of the initial concentration of reactant.
For zero order reactions, its half life is still determined similarly to the process mentioned
previously.

EXAMPLE: How long will it take for a 40.0 gram sample of I-131 (half-life =
8.040 days) to decay to 1/100 its original mass?
(1/2)n = 0.01
n log 0.5 = log 0.01
n = 6.64
6.64 x 8.040 days = 53.4 days
 Two basic models are present in reaction rates: collision model and transition state
model. Collision model: activation energies assume that in order for the particles to react, they
must collide with each other. However, it is not guaranteed that the collisions will produce a
reaction since the orientation and the kinetic energy might be insufficient to overcome
repulsions. Molecules must be equipped with a certain amount of energy to activate, and it is
called activation energy. To compute for the collision, steric factor, collision frequency, and
fraction is needed. Steric factor (p) is the orientation of the molecules, determining on which can
effectively make the molecules collide. Collision frequency (Z) is the quantity of collisions per
time and reactant concentration. Fraction (f) is the evaluation of whether the collision energy is
equal to or greater than the activation energy. Another equation for the collision frequency
relationship is present. It consists of the activation energy, gas constant, and kelvin temperature.
The equation signifies that there is an indirect relationship between the activation energy and the
rate constant.

On the other hand, transition-State model presents a graph wherein there is an activated
complex, when reactants form an intermediate, in a transition state. The activated complex can
produce a product that cannot retain its form, leading to a reverse process. The activation energy
in this model is the difference between the energy of reactant and activated complex. The rate of
reaction is dependent on the duration of the formation of activated complex forms. This model is
often used when the steric factor is equal to 1. It also explains the relationship of the activation
energy to the bond enthalpies in the reactant molecules, and how it is smaller.

EXAMPLE: The orientation of the molecules in the reaction determines its success rate.
Often times, the collisions are ineffective due to it.

The reaction rate is proportional to the temperature. As per the kinetic theory, the
temperature also affects the energy, as the colder it is, the lesser energy available for the
molecules. Same goes with the fraction of molecules and the effectiveness of the collision. I
don’t understand much of the equations.
 Catalyst helps speed up the rate of reaction without being included in it. It includes a path
that requires lesser energy for the reaction to occur. There are two types of catalysts. First is
heterogeneous catalyst, wherein a solid is utilized in a reaction of liquid or gas. It uses the
catalytic converter, which combines various metals, and perform both oxidation and reduction at
the same time. Next is homogeneous catalysts that is present alongside in the reactants. Enzymes
are used as biocatalysts which also speeds up the reaction.

EXAMPLE:

Reaction Mechanisms then shows the path of the reaction, an example is how it occurs at
high temperatures. The mechanism is the determining factor of the nature of the rate of
expression and the reaction order. Elementary steps are used to evaluate the individual steps in a
mechanism and for knowing the rate expression. However, experiments are still essential on
obtaining the rate expression of the overall reaction. Another is the slow step, to which its rate is
the rate of the reaction as well. Hence, the activation energy is inversely related to the rate of step
of the reaction.

EXAMPLE:

NO2(g) + CO NO(g) + CO2(g)

elementary step 1 NO2 + NO2 NO + NO3
elementary step 2 NO3 + CO NO2 + CO2
NO2 + NO2 +NO3 + CO NO + NO3 +NO2 + CO2
NO2 + CO NO + CO2