Question

During this reaction, `P_4 + 5O_2 -> P_4O_10`, 1.5 moles of product were made in 30 seconds. What is the rate of reaction?

Answer 1

The rate of reaction is the rate of formation of `"P"_4"O"_10`.

Explanation:

For the reaction `"P"_4 +"5O"_2→ "P"_4"O"_10`, the rate of reaction is defined as

`color(blue)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a) "rate" = -1/1(Δ["P"_4])/(Δt) = -1/5(Δ["O"_2])/(Δt) = +1/1(Δ["P"_4"O"_10])/(Δt)color(white)(a/a)|)))" "`

If the volume of the container is 1 L,

`"rate" = +(Δ"P"_4"O"_10)/(Δt) = +("1.5 mol/L")/("30 s") = "0.050 mol·L"^"-1""s"^"-1"`