This episode explains rate comparisons in chemical kinetics, focusing on how the rate of change for each substance in a chemical reaction is related through the stoichiometry of the balanced equation. It introduce a general rate expression where the rate of change in concentration for each reactant and product is divided by its respective coefficient to determine the overall reaction rate. Using the synthesis of ammonia as a practical example, the episode demonstrates how to calculate the overall rate and the consumption rate of one substance given the formation rate of another. It concludes by highlighting common mistakes, such as forgetting to use the stoichiometric coefficients or mismanaging the negative signs for reactants.
