Calculating Rate of Reaction using Tangents

• Why is it difficult to determine the rate of reaction at a specific point on the curve?

  Because the slope of the curve is constantly changing
• What method do scientists use to measure the rate of reaction at a specific point on the curve?

  They draw a straight line that touches the curve at the point of interest, called a tangent
• What is the name of the straight line that touches the curve at a specific point?

  Tangent
• What does the slope of the tangent represent in the context of the reaction?

  It gives an idea of the rate of reaction at that specific point
• How can you visually represent the rate of reaction at 30 seconds on the graph?

  By drawing a tangent at the 30-second mark
• How do you calculate the rate of reaction using the tangent at 30 seconds?

  By dividing the length of the vertical side by the length of the horizontal side of the triangle formed
• What are the key steps to calculate the rate of reaction using a tangent?

  1. Draw a tangent at the point of interest on the curve.
  2. Construct a triangle using the tangent.
  3. Measure the lengths of the vertical and horizontal sides.
  4. Calculate the rate of reaction by dividing the vertical side by the horizontal side.