Describe the differences between the rate constant and reaction rate.

The rate constant is a constant value that relates the rate of a reaction to the concentration of reactants. On the other hand, the reaction rate is the change in concentration of reactants or products over time.

The rate constant is specific to a particular reaction and is determined experimentally. It is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of a catalyst. The rate constant is used in the rate equation to calculate the rate of a reaction at a given concentration of reactants. It is represented by the symbol k and has units of concentration per unit time.

The reaction rate, on the other hand, is the speed at which reactants are consumed or products are formed. It is affected by factors such as concentration, temperature, pressure, and the presence of a catalyst. The reaction rate can be determined experimentally by measuring the change in concentration of reactants or products over time. It is represented by the symbol r and has units of concentration per unit time.

A-Level Chemistry Tutor Summary: The rate constant (k) is a specific value for each reaction, showing how the concentration of reactants affects the reaction rate, and is influenced by conditions like temperature. The reaction rate (r) tells us how fast the reactants change into products, depending on factors like concentration and temperature. Both are key to understanding how quickly a chemical reaction occurs, but they look at it from different angles.