How do you determine the reaction kinetics of hydrolysis of silicon to give out silicon dioxide and hydrogen. Experiments have been carried out and the time required to produce certain volumes of hydrogen have been noted.

This is probably best explained by those who have already spent time doing so. I'll refer you to these web sites:

Chemical Kinetics

Chemical Kinetics: Rate of Reaction

Chemical kinetics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Reaction rate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia