Finding Reaction Rates from Graphs

• You can calculate the mean reaction rate from a graph
• A rate of reaction graph shows the amount of product formed or amount of reactant used up on the y-axis and time on the x-axis
• To find the mean rate for the whole reaction, you just work out the overall change in the y-value and then divide this by the total time taken for the reaction
• You can also use the graph to find the mean rate of reaction between any 2 points in time
• If you're asked to find the mean rate of reaction for the whole reaction, remember that the reaction finishes as soon as the line on the graph goes flat
• Draw a tangent to find the reaction rate at a particular point
• If you want to find the rate of reaction at a particular point in time, you neeed to find the gradient of the curve at that point
• The easiest way to find the gradient is to draw a tangent to the curve - a straight line that touches the curve at one point and doesn't cross it. Then you work out the gradient