Determining slow step
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Re: Determining slow step
I think if we were given it on the test they would have to tell you which is the slow step.
If that is not the case then, if you know the overall rate law, you can find the rate law for each step in the mechanism and determine which is the slow step because it will match the overall.
Sometimes we are required to do the equilibrium approach then to substitute for the intermediate if there is one.
If that is not the case then, if you know the overall rate law, you can find the rate law for each step in the mechanism and determine which is the slow step because it will match the overall.
Sometimes we are required to do the equilibrium approach then to substitute for the intermediate if there is one.
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Re: Determining slow step
Hi! In all of the examples given in the textbook, I believe that it was identified for us, but it can also be found manually if you have the overall rate law of the reaction. In that case, you'd just have to calculate the rate laws of each step individually and then see which one matches up. Hope this helps!
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Re: Determining slow step
generally the question will tell us but you can also determine the rate law for each step to see which one is the slowest
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Re: Determining slow step
I think normally they would tell you the slow step, but if not you can calculate each step's reaction rate and compare to determine the slow step and its rate.
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Re: Determining slow step
I think for the sake of this class they will always tell us which step is the slow step.
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