Instantaneous Rate

[Kate Zeile 2D]

What is the value of knowing the instantaneous rate of a reaction? I understand how knowing the average reaction rate would be helpful but I do not understand the importance of knowing the reaction rate at a single point in time.

[Chem_Mod]

Calculating the instantaneous rate at the beginning of the reaction tells us the fastest rate at which the reaction is occurring. Averages can be useful, but are inherently less accurate.

[Yu Chong 2H]

Knowing the initial rate is also important because it allows us to analyse how the reaction mechanism works and that would help us in understanding the rate of reaction after the initial time.

[Michael Cheng 1C]

Why are we only looking at initial rate of reaction in this chem class?

[Jiun Yue Chung 2I]

We aren't just looking at initial (or at least I don't think so). There are two different equations we use to find the initial rate and then we use the Integrated Rate Laws to find rates after the start of the reaction :)