Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The overall reaction rate is the speed at which a chemical reaction progresses. It's determined by the changes in concentration of reactants or products over time.
This is an equation that relates the rate of a chemical reaction to the concentrations of its reactants. It's like having a GPS system that tells you how fast you should be driving based on current road conditions.
This refers to how much changing the concentration of a certain reactant will affect the overall rate of reaction. It's similar to knowing that if you double your speed (concentration), it might halve your travel time (reaction time), depending on whether it’s first order or not.
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. Like putting premium fuel in your car for better performance without adding more fuel.