The elementary reaction A → 2 B is carried out in a batch reactor at constant temperature. A computer interface reports the following experimentally determined concentrations of A in the vicinity of t = 55 s.
Time (s) [A] (M)
50.0 0.214
55.0 0.193
60.0 0.174
Assume the concentrations vary smoothly between the listed times.
(a) Using the tabulated data, estimate the instantaneous rate of disappearance of A at t = 55 s. Show your reasoning, including any approximations you make.
(b) Determine the instantaneous rate of formation of B at t = 55 s, including units.
(c) Calculate the average rate of disappearance of A over the interval 50.0 s ≤ t ≤ 60.0 s and compare it quantitatively with your result from part (a). Briefly interpret the comparison in the context of how reaction rate changes with time.