Study resource
Rate equations (A-level only) key terms
Study Rate equations (A-level only) with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
At a glance
key terms
Resource type
Topic
Rate equations (A-level only)
Key terms
Rate constant (k)
The rate constant is a proportionality factor in the rate equation that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.
Order of reaction
The order of reaction is the sum of the powers of the concentration terms in the rate equation, indicating how the rate is affected by the concentration of reactants.
Rate constant (k)
A proportionality constant in the rate equation that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.
Order of reaction
The sum of the powers of the concentration terms in the rate equation, indicating the relationship between concentration and rate.
Rate of reaction
The change in concentration of a reactant or product per unit time.
Rate law
An expression that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants, typically in the form rate = k[A]^m[B]^n.
Rate equation
An equation that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants, each raised to a power corresponding to their order in the reaction.
Order of reaction
The power to which the concentration of a reactant is raised in the rate equation, indicating how the rate is affected by changes in concentration.
Rate constant (k)
A proportionality constant in the rate equation that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.
Reaction order
The sum of the powers of the concentration terms in the rate equation, indicating the overall dependence of the reaction rate on the concentrations of reactants.
Rate-determining step
The slowest step in a reaction mechanism that determines the overall rate of the reaction.
Mechanism
The sequence of elementary steps that describes the pathway from reactants to products in a chemical reaction.
Rate constant (k)
A proportionality constant in the rate equation that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.
Mechanism
The step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
Rate constant (k)
A proportionality constant in the rate equation that is specific to a particular reaction at a given temperature.
Mechanism
The step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
Activation energy
The minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, often associated with the transition state.
Intermediates
Species that are formed during the reaction mechanism but are not present in the overall reaction equation.
Related topics