What is meant by the term "mean rate of reaction"?

The term "mean rate of reaction" refers specifically to the average rate at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction over a given period of time. This is calculated by taking the quantity of reactant used (or product formed) and dividing it by the time taken for that transformation to occur. This calculation provides a numerical value that reflects how quickly the reaction occurs, allowing for comparisons between different reactions or conditions.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the context of kinetics and the dynamics of chemical reactions, as it provides insight into how various factors—such as concentration, temperature, and catalyst presence—can influence reaction rates.