Is there any advantages of initial rate over continuous when finding reaction order?

As title says, currently writing up my A2 coursework, think I just chose initial rate by closing my eyes and pointing at one, what are the advantages of it? :smile:

Cheers,
Matt

Reply 1

Mos Def

Umm you can determine the overall rate of the reaction by looking at the initial rate? , its the rate determining step?

Reply 2

charco

Study Forum Helper

As the reaction proceeds the concentrations of the reagents are not known. However, at the start of the reaction the initial concentration of the reagents IS known.

Any orders that are calculated from average rates may not take into accound such factors as autocatalysis or any mechanistic change due to concentration effects.

Initial rates allow more reliable information to be determined regarding orders, activation energies and possible mechanisms (which is the ultimate aim of reaction kinetics)