Final answer:
The rate of the reaction can be determined by calculating the change in mass of copper per unit time. In this case, the rate of the reaction is approximately 0.546 g/hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of the reaction can be determined by calculating the change in mass of copper per unit time. To do this, we use the formula:
Rate = (Final mass - Initial mass) / Time
In this case, the initial mass of copper is 4.0 g, the final mass is 2.12 g, and the time is 3.45 hours. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
Rate = (2.12 g - 4.0 g) / 3.45 hours
Simplifying the equation gives us:
Rate = -1.88 g / 3.45 hours
Therefore, the rate of the reaction is approximately 0.546 g/hour.