A general question on comparing rates, looking for an explanation:

I'm confused as to why these rates are opposite. There is more data given, but it is unimportant to my question.

In the reaction 2N2O5 -- 4NO + O2 the rate is found with -1/2 ((change in)[N2O5]/t), when in the reaction A+4B -- 2C the rate is found with -4([B]/t).

I just don't understand why it is different. They are both products, and it is solving for the same thing, but the first is 1/2? I would have assumed it was 2. Why? Thank you very much!

Question

A general question on comparing rates, looking for an explanation: 

I'm confused as to why these rates are opposite. There is more data given, but it is unimportant to my question.

In the reaction 2N2O5 --> 4NO + O2 the rate is found with -1/2 ((change in)[N2O5]/t), when in the reaction A+4B --> 2C the rate is found with -4([B]/t). 

I just don't understand why it is different. They are both products, and it is solving for the same thing, but the first is 1/2? I would have assumed it was 2. Why? Thank you very much!

abb0t · Answer

I don't understand your question.