Rate Determining Step

Question 1

What is the rate-determining step?

Answer 1

• The steps in a multi-step reaction will take place at different rates.
• The slowest step in the sequence is called the rate-determining step.

Question 2

What rules can be applied to predicting reaction mechanisms?

Answer 2

• The rate equation only includes reacting species involved in the rate-determining step.
• The orders in the rate equation match the number of species involved in the rate determining step.