Chapter 18.1, Problem 1LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The expression for the rate of a chemical reaction is to be stated.

Concept Introduction: The rate of a chemical reaction is generally expressed as the reactant’s concentration consumed and the product’s concentration formed per unit of time.

Answer to Problem 1LC

The expression for the rate of a chemical reaction is given in terms of the rate of change of concentration of the reactants and products.

Explanation of Solution

Assuming a general reaction in which reactant A is converted to product B. The expression for the reaction is given as:

  $\text{aA}\to \text{bB}$

Where a and b are stoichiometric coefficients for A and B.

While writing the rate of reaction the coefficient of reactant and product goes in the denominator thus, the rate of the chemical reaction is expressed as:

  $\text{Rate}=\text{-}\frac{1}{\text{a}}\frac{\text{Δ}\left[\text{A}\right]}{\text{Δ}\left[\text{t}\right]}=\frac{1}{\text{b}}\frac{\text{Δ}\left[\text{B}\right]}{\text{Δ}\left[\text{t}\right]}$