Reaction rates

Science

Definition

Reaction rate measures how quickly reactants are consumed or products are formed in a chemical reaction. Rates are affected by temperature, concentration, surface area, catalysts, and the nature of the reactants.

Examples

  • Iron rusting slowly at room temperature but faster in saltwater
  • Food spoiling faster when left out of the refrigerator
  • Crushing a tablet so it dissolves faster than a whole tablet
Key Fact

Rate = −Δ[reactant]/Δt = +Δ[product]/Δt

Related Terms

Rate laws Activation energy Catalysts Concentration

Study This Concept

Practice reaction rates with free review games in these units:

AP Chemistry Unit 5: Kinetics