Section 4
Reaction Mechanisms
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By Boundless
Boundless Chemistry
Chemistry
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Rate Laws for Elementary Steps
The rate law for an elementary step is derived from the molecularity of that step.
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Rate-Determining Steps
The rate of a multi-step reaction is determined by the slowest elementary step, which is known as the rate-determining step.
Overall Reaction Rate Laws
Rate laws for reactions are affected by the position of the rate-determining step in the overall reaction mechanism.
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Steady-State Approximation
The steady state approximation can be used to determine the overall rate law when the rate-determining step is unknown.
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Experimental Determination of Reaction Rates
Reaction rates can be determined experimentally by measuring the concentration of a reactant and/or product over time.