Rate of reaction
The rate of a reaction is a measure of how quickly a reactant is used up, or a product is formed.
There are different ways to determine the rate of a reaction. The method chosen usually depends on the reactants and products involved, and how easy it is to measure changes in them.
The mean rate of reaction can be calculated using either of these two equations:
m
e
a
n
r
a
t
e
o
f
r
e
a
c
t
i
o
n
=
q
u
a
n
t
i
t
y
o
f
r
e
a
c
t
a
n
t
u
s
e
d
t
i
m
e
t
a
k
e
n
m
e
a
n
r
a
t
e
o
f
r
e
a
c
t
i
o
n
=
q
u
a
n
t
i
t
y
o
f
p
r
o
d
u
c
t
f
o
r
m
e
d
t
i
m
e
t
a
k
e
n
Measuring mass
The change in mass of a reactant or product can be followed during a reaction. This method is useful when carbon dioxide is a product which leaves the reaction container. It is not suitable for hydrogen and other gases with a small relative formula mass, Mr.
The units for rate are usually g/s or g/min.