2- Rate of formation and rate of disappearance of a substance :

Draw on a graph the shape of the curves representing the variation of the amount of reactants and
products with time.

With time passing from t1 to t2, the amount of products increases from n1 to n2 (Δn>0) ;
while the amount of reactants decreases from n’1 to n’2 (Δn<0).
With Δn = n(final) – n(initial)

Note that the graph can also be drawn in terms of concentration as a

function of time [ ] = f(t), it will still have the same shape.

A- Rate of formation of a product :

a- Average rate of formation of a product P :

 Definition :
The average rate of formation of a product P within the interval of time ∆t = t2 – t1 is equal to the
slope of the secant on the curve [P] = f(t) at the points of abscissa t1 and t2.
 b- Instantaneous rate of formation of a product P :

 Definition:
The instantaneous rate of formation of a product P at a time t is equal to the derivative of the
function [P] = f(t) at time t.

Graphically it is equal to the slope of the tangent to the curve [P] = f(t) at the point of abscissa t.

c- Initial rate of formation of a product P :

 Definition :
The initial rate of formation of a product P is equal to the derivative of the function [P] = f(t) at time
t=0.

Graphically it is equal to the slope of the tangent to the curve [P] = f(t) at the point of abscissa t=0.
B- Rate of disappearance of a reactant :
a- Average rate of disappearance of a reactant R :

 Definition :
The average rate of disappearance of a reactant R within the interval of time ∆t = t2 – t1 is equal to
the negative slope of the secant on the curve [R] = f(t) at the points of abscissa t1 and t2.

b- Instantaneous rate of disappearance of a reactant R :

 Definition :
The instantaneous rate of disappearance of a reactant R at a time t is equal to the negative derivative
of the function [R] = f(t) at time t.
Graphically it is equal to the negative slope of the tangent to the curve [R] = f(t) at the point of
abscissa t.

c- Initial rate of disappearance of a reactant R :

 Definition :
The initial rate of disappearance of a reactant R at time t=0 is equal to the negative derivative of the
function [R] = f(t) at time t=0.

Graphically it is equal to the negative slope of the tangent to the curve [R] = f(t) at the point of
abscissa t=0.