Education research

6 tips for teaching reaction rates using graphs

By 2020-11-19T11:18:00

An illustration of a man using a pipe to tame graphs on his computer

Source: © Pepe Serra/Ikon Images

What to look out for when teaching graphs in reaction kinetics

Chemists often represent the underlying models of chemical kinetics graphically, such as when plotting concentration v time or rate v time. Studies have shown that students have difficulties understanding rate and rate constant, and that graphical representations often make it more challenging.

This article discusses a study revealing students’ reasoning about reaction rate through an analysis of the graphical representations they chose to describe their underlying models of chemical kinetics.

You can also find useful teaching tips to incorporate into your own practice and help your students charm the topic of chemical kinetics.

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