Explain why rate of reaction graphs flatten out over time.
Question
Explain why rate of reaction graphs flatten out over time.
Solution
The rate of reaction graphs flatten out over time due to the following reasons:
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Depletion of Reactants: As the reaction progresses, the concentration of the reactants decreases. This is because the reactants are being used up to form the products. As the concentration of the reactants decreases, the frequency of successful collisions between the reactant particles also decreases. This leads to a decrease in the rate of reaction over time.
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Achievement of Equilibrium: In a reversible reaction, after a certain period of time, the forward reaction (reactants forming products) and the backward reaction (products breaking down to form reactants) occur at the same rate. This state is known as equilibrium. At equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and products remain constant, and so does the rate of reaction. This is another reason why the rate of reaction graph may flatten out over time.
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Saturation of Products: If the reaction is taking place in a closed system, after a certain period of time, the system might get saturated with the products
Similar Questions
The rate of a reaction is plotted on a graph with time on the x axis and amount of product on the y axis. What would you expect the profile of the graph to look like? Steep gradient that peaks and then decreases back down againShallow gradient that gradually becomes steeperSteep gradient that increases in a straight line before flattening outSteep gradient initially followed by a decreased gradient that eventually flattens out2A rate graph has a steep gradient initially followed by a decreased gradient that eventually flattens out. Which point on the graph indicates the time that the reaction stopped? Exactly half way up the steep gradientWhen the timer is stoppedAs the gradient starts to flatten outAs the gradient starts to decrease3When comparing different rate graphs, which of the following profiles shows the highest rate of reaction?Steepest gradientMost product formedShallowest gradientLeast product formed4On a rate graph showing product formed over time, what causes the gradient to eventually flatten out? The reactant has been used upThe temperature has reducedThe temperature has increasedThe activation energy has been used up
On a rate graph showing product formed over time, what causes the gradient to eventually flatten out? The temperature has increasedThe reactant has been used upThe activation energy has been used upThe temperature has reduced
When comparing different rate graphs, which of the following profiles shows the highest rate of reaction?
The rate of a reaction is plotted on a graph with time on the x axis and amount of product on the y axis. What would you expect the profile of the graph to look like?
A rate graph has a steep gradient initially followed by a decreased gradient that eventually flattens out. Which point on the graph indicates the time that the reaction stopped?
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