Question

question 5 how is the instantaneous reaction rate determined? by measuring the total reactants at the end. by calculating the slope of a tangent at a specific time. by averaging the rate at the beginning and end. by the initial reactants and products ratio.

Explanation:

To determine the instantaneous reaction rate, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Measuring total reactants at the end gives average rate over the reaction, not instantaneous.
• Option 2: The instantaneous reaction rate is defined as the slope of the tangent to the concentration - time curve at a specific time. This is because the tangent slope at a point on the curve (plotting concentration of reactants or products vs. time) gives the rate of change of concentration at that exact moment.
• Option 3: Averaging the rate at the beginning and end gives an average rate over an interval, not the instantaneous rate at a specific time.
• Option 4: The ratio of initial reactants and products does not give the reaction rate (instantaneous or otherwise).

Answer:

By calculating the slope of a tangent at a specific time.