Chemistry / Unit 9 Chem 1615 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Reactant Identity and Reaction Rate
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The idea
Two reactions that look similar can proceed at very different rates, since rate depends on the chemical identity of the specific substances reacting.
In practice
Sodium reacts with air overnight to near completion, while iron exposed the same way is barely affected.
Where people slip
Predicting sodium and iron react at comparable rates in air, both being "metal + oxygen" reactions, ignores their differing reactivity.
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