Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Rate and Extent of Reaction – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Rates of Reaction covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 84
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 05 min
What it covers
Rate of reaction measures how quickly reactants are used up or products formed. You explain how the amount of reactant per volume, the temperature, the surface area and a catalyst each change the rate. Collision theory, Maxwell–Boltzmann energy distribution curves and potential energy diagrams with activation energy supply the reasons. Experimental questions ask you to read rates from graphs of volume or mass against time, and often include a stoichiometry calculation.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (reaction rate typically ≈ 12–16 marks, typically Question 5, plus 1–2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 5 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Reaction rate and how it is measured30 min
- Collision theory and the factors that affect rate40 min
- Activation energy, energy diagrams and the Maxwell–Boltzmann curve30 min
- Rate graphs and reading rate from gradients35 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 15 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 84 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 40 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 05 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Rates of Reaction (84 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Rates of Reaction? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Rates of Reaction as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Electrochemistry 1: Redox and Galvanic Cells
- Electrochemistry 2: Electrolytic Cells
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Rates of Reaction
How many marks is Rates of Reaction worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Chemical change ≈ 92/150 (reaction rate typically ≈ 12–16 marks, typically Question 5, plus 1–2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 5 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Rates of Reaction?
About 4 h 05 min: 2 h 15 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 40 min for the 10 exam-style questions (84 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Rates of Reaction?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Rates of Reaction as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.