Rate Graphs, Gradients and Comparing Rates Flashcards

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On a typical rate of reaction graph, what is put on the horizontal (x) axis and what is put on the vertical (y) axis?

Time is put on the horizontal (x) axis. The amount of reactant used or product formed (for example mass or volume of gas) is put on the vertical (y) axis.

What does the gradient (slope) of a rate of reaction graph show?

The gradient of the line shows the rate of reaction. A steeper line means a faster reaction.

How can you tell from a rate graph when a reaction has stopped?

The line becomes flat (horizontal). This means there is no further change in reactant or product, so the reaction has stopped.

How do you work out the gradient of a straight line on a rate graph?

Choose two points on the line, find the change in y (up) and the change in x (along), then do gradient = change in y ÷ change in x.

What is meant by the initial rate of reaction on a rate graph?

The initial rate is the rate at the very start of the reaction. On the graph, it is the gradient of the line right at the beginning.

How do you estimate the rate of reaction at a point on a curved rate graph?

Draw a tangent at that point, then find the gradient of the tangent by doing change in y ÷ change in x.

Why does a graph of amount of product formed against time usually level off after a while?

It levels off because the reactants are used up, so no more product can form and the reaction has finished.

How can you tell which of two reactions is faster at the start, if they are shown on the same rate graph?

Compare the steepness of the lines at the start. The line that is steeper at the beginning shows the faster reaction at the start.

If a graph shows volume of gas produced (cm³) against time (s), what are the units of rate from the gradient?

The units of rate are cubic centimetres per second, written as cm³/s.

Two reactions reach the same final height on a ‘product formed vs time’ graph. What does this tell you?

They make the same total amount of product, even if one reaction is faster or slower than the other.

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