What is extent of reaction?

The extent of reaction is a term used in chemical kinetics to describe the degree to which a chemical reaction has progressed. It is denoted by the symbol ξ and represents the change in the number of moles of a reactant or product during the course of a reaction.

The extent of reaction can be used to calculate the concentration of reactants and products at any point in the reaction, as well as determine the rate of reaction. It is important to note that the extent of reaction is not a physical quantity that can be directly measured, but rather a theoretical concept used to simplify the analysis of chemical reactions.

The extent of reaction is typically defined as the ratio of the change in the number of moles of a specific reactant or product to its stoichiometric coefficient in the balanced chemical equation. It can also be expressed in terms of concentration, pressure, or partial pressure, depending on the nature of the reaction.

Overall, the extent of reaction provides a useful tool for studying the progress of chemical reactions and determining the factors that influence reaction rates.