7A.3

[Skyllar Kuppinger 1F]

Why is the "rate at which oxygen reacts" written as a positive number? Oxygen is a reactant. In what situation would we write the negative sign?

[ALegala_2I]

Since the question is asking about the rate of consumption, it is already taking into account that oxygen is being used up. Therefore the answer is meant to be positive in terms of consumption rate.

[Ryan Chang 1C]

Rates are generally never expressed as negative, even when referring to reactants.

[Charlene Datu 2E]

A rate is inherently a positive value, whether or not the molecule is being consumed or produced

[Junwei Sun 4I]

The question is already stating "rate of consumption" of oxygen therefore sign is already taken into account in this case.

[Trent Yamamoto 2J]

A rate is usually referred to as a positive number and already takes this into account

[Tanmay Singhal 1H]

rates can never be negative. even if it is backward reaction the rate is positive