How can you calculate and plot reaction rates from raw experimental data?

Sourav PanNovember 9, 2024

Answered step-by-step

To calculate and plot reaction rates from raw experimental data, follow these steps:

1. Collecting Data

Start by gathering experimental data that typically includes:

• Concentration of reactants or products at various time intervals.
• The time points at which these concentrations were measured.

For example, you might have a dataset like this:

2. Calculating Reaction Rates

Average Rate

To calculate the average rate of reaction over a specific time interval, use the formula:

Where:

• $\Delta [\text{Reactant}]$ is the change in concentration of the reactant.
• $\Delta t$ is the change in time.

For example, between $t=0$ s and $t=10$ s:

Instantaneous Rate

The instantaneous rate can be determined from a plot of concentration versus time by calculating the slope of the tangent to the curve at a specific point.

3. Plotting Data

Concentration vs. Time Graph

Plot the concentration of reactant or product on the y-axis against time on the x-axis to visualize how concentrations change over time.

1. Create a graph: Use graphing software or tools like Excel or Python (e.g., Matplotlib) to plot your data.
2. Label axes: Time on the x-axis and concentration on the y-axis.

Example Plotting in Python