5 One of the errors in this experiment is in the way we calc

5. One of the errors in this experiment is in the way we calculated the rate of each trial dividing 1.0x 10 M iodine by the time in seconds). This is known as the average rate. What kind of rate would have to be calculated for each trial to improve the procedure? Explain.

Solution

This way of calculating the rate of the reaction gives us the average rate.

Average Rate is the rate of reaction calculated for a long time interval. It is defined as the amount of change in concentration / time taken. R=[A]/t.

However, for a more accurate value, instantaneous rate of reaction should be calculated.

Instantaneous Rate is the rate calculated at any instant (small interval) during the reaction. It is defined as the differential of conc. with respect to time. R= d[A]/dt. Graphically, at a given concenration and time; it is calculated by finding the slope of the conc. vs time graph at that point.