Chapter 16.1, Problem 5SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

For a particular reaction, what a reaction rate indicates needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The change in concentration of reactant and product per unit of time is termed as reaction rate of a chemical reaction. It is expressed as $\text{mol}/\left(\text{L}·\text{s}\right)$. The determination of reaction rates is done experimentally by measuring concentration of products or reactants as the actual chemical reaction proceeds.

Answer to Problem 5SSC

The reactant or products’ concentration is indicated in the rate of a chemical equation.

Explanation of Solution

The rate of a chemical reaction indicates the change of concentration of reactant and product in unit time and also tells at what speed the reaction occurs. The negative sign in the rate equation indicates that the concentration of the particular compound decreases as the reaction proceeds but the reaction rate is always positive.

Conclusion

The rate of a chemical reaction always possesses positive value.