Measuring Reaction Rates and Orders
Ever wondered why some reactions happen instantly whilst others take ages? Rate experiments help us figure out exactly how concentration affects reaction speed. You'll use techniques like colorimetry to track how reactant concentrations change over time.
The initial rates method is your go-to technique for determining reaction orders. You run several experiments, changing one reactant's concentration each time whilst keeping others constant. Then you measure how fast the reaction starts - that's your initial rate.
Reaction order tells you how concentration affects rate. If doubling a reactant's concentration doubles the rate, it's first order. If it quadruples the rate, it's second order. The overall rate equation looks like: Rate = k[A]^m[B]^n, where m and n are the individual orders.
Quick Tip: Always use a tangent to the curve at time zero to find your initial rate - it's the most accurate method!
