Rates of Reaction

The speed of chemical reactions varies considerably. Some reactions occur very rapidly, such as
precipitation. Others occur very slowly, such as the rusting of iron and steel.

The rate of reaction is a measured change in the concentration of a reactant or product with time, at
a given temperature

The rate of a reaction can be determined by using the formulae given below

Measuring rates of reaction

It is usually difficult to measure change in concentration directly. Other property changes may occur
which are more easily measured.

 The volume of gas produced overtime can be measured using a gas syringe if the reaction
produces a gas
 The decrease in mass of the reaction can be measured over time using a balance if the
reaction produces a gas that escapes
 A change in colour intensity, pressure, temperature or pH can be measured over time if any
of these properties change during a reaction
 The appearance of a precipitate can be measured if one is formed in the reaction.
 Rates of Reaction
The collision theory for chemical reactions
During any chemical reaction, the existing bonds in the reactants must break so that new bonds can
form in the products. In order to react

 The particles of the reactants must collide with each other so that the bonds in the reactants
can be broken
 The reactant particles must collide with enough energy to break their bonds and enable new
bonds to form in the products. This minimum energy is known as activation energy
 The reactant particles must collide with the correct orientation. They must line up correctly
with each other so that bonds can break and reform in the required way

Not all collisions result in a reaction occurring. Some do not occur with the required activation
energy and some do not occur with the correct orientation of the particles. Any collision that results
in a reaction is known as an effective collision.
 Rates of Reaction
Rates curves for reactions
A rate curve can be drawn if a measured properly, such as concentration, is plotted on a graph
against time as the reaction proceeds.

All rate curves have a very similar shape. This shape shows that the rate of a reaction decreases as
the reaction proceeds.

All rate curves have a very similar shape. This shape shows that the rate of reaction decreases as the
reaction proceeds.

 At the beginning of the reaction the gradient is at its steepest, showing that the rate is at its
highest. The concentration of the reactant particles is at its highest resulting in the
frequency of collision between particles being at its highest
 As the reactions proceeds the gradient becomes shallower, showing that the rate is
decreasing. The concentration of the reactant particles decreases as the reaction proceeds
causing the frequency of collision between the particles gradually decrease
 The curve eventually becomes horizontal (its gradient becomes zero), showing the reaction
has reached completion and stopped. At this point, one reactant has been used up and no
more of its particles are left to collide. This reactant is known as the limiting reactant and its
quantity determines the quantity of products made.
 Rates of Reaction
Factors that affect rates of reaction
The rate of reaction is dependent on four main factors.
 Rates of Reaction

The effect of changing different factors on rate curves

The effect of changing any factor which alters the rate of a reaction can be shown on the rate curve
for the reaction.

 The new curve has a steeper gradient indicating the reaction is occurring at a faster rate
 The new curve becomes horizontal sooner indicating the reaction reaches completion in less
time
 Both curves become horizontal when the same amount of product has been made since the
number of moles of the limiting reactant was unchanged.
 Decreasing the concentration of the reactant in excess, the temperature of the reaction, the
surface area of a solid reactant, or adding a negative catalyst would cause the curve to have
a shallower gradient than the original rate curve, becoming horizontal later, but become
horizontal when the same amount of product has been made.
Rates of Reaction
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