Enter the change in the quantity of the substance during the reaction and the time into the calculator to determine the reaction velocity.

Reaction Velocity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Reaction Velocity.

RV = CP / T
  • Where RV is the reaction velocity (quantity/time)
  • CP is the change in the parameter/quantity being analyzed
  • T is the time (seconds)

To calculate the reaction velocity, divide the change in the parameter by the time.

What is a Reaction Velocity?

Definition:

A reaction velocity describes the rate of change of a parameter, such as mass, during a chemical reaction.

How to Calculate Reaction Velocity?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate Reaction Velocity.

First, determine the change in the parameter/quantity being analyzed . In this example, the change in the parameter/quantity being analyzed is found to be 50 kg.

Next, determine the time. For this problem, the time is found to be 5 seconds.

Finally, calculate the Reaction Velocity using the formula above:

RV = CP / T

RV = 50 / 5

RV = 10 kg /s

FAQ

What factors can affect reaction velocity in chemical reactions?

Several factors can influence the velocity of a chemical reaction, including temperature, concentration of reactants, surface area of solid reactants, catalysts, and the presence of inhibitors. Higher temperatures generally increase reaction rates by providing more energy to the reactants, while higher concentrations of reactants can lead to more frequent collisions, thus potentially increasing the reaction velocity. Catalysts can lower the activation energy required for the reaction, speeding it up without being consumed in the process.

How does the presence of a catalyst affect the reaction velocity?

A catalyst increases the reaction velocity by providing an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy. This allows more reactant particles to have enough energy to undergo the reaction, increasing its rate without the catalyst itself being consumed or altered permanently. Catalysts are crucial in many industrial and biological processes due to their ability to significantly speed up reactions.

Can reaction velocity be negative?

While reaction velocity is typically positive, indicating the rate at which reactants are converted to products, it can be considered negative in the context of the reverse reaction, where products are converted back into reactants. In such cases, a negative reaction velocity would indicate the rate at which the concentration of the original reactants is being restored. However, in general usage, reaction velocity is discussed in terms of the forward reaction, focusing on the production of products from reactants.