Calculate the initial or instantaneous rate of reaction V0 f

Calculate the initial or instantaneous rate of reaction (V_0) for a lactase assay that resulted in 0.001 M of product formed in a 2 mL volume over 10 minutes of reaction time.

Solution

The rate of reaction (R) is given by: R =   - Change in concentration (M) / Time interval (Sec)

Here change in concentration = 0.001 ( Since the product formed is 0.001M)

The given time interval is 10 minute = 10*60 = 600 sec

Therefore the rate of reaction is = - 0.001/ 600 = - 0.00000266

But here the assay volume is given in mL that is 2mL and the rate of reaction is in Liter formate. Thats why we will have to convert this assay volume in liter. That is 2mL = 2/1000 = 0.002 mL

Therefore the final rate of reaction will be = - 0.00000266 * 0.002 = - 0.0000000053 = - 5.3 * 10^-10