Slow Step Vs. Steady State Approximation

[Elizabeth Ignacio 1C]

Hi! When is it necessary to use steady state approximation to find the rate of a reaction as opposed to just using the slow step? Thanks!

[Annalise Eder 2L]

Using the steady step method will get you the same result as using the pre-equilibrium approach. Either way you will need to identify the slow step of the reaction as it is the rate determining step.

[Clarissa Molina 1D]

Can someone further explain when to use steady state approximation and the pre equilibrium approach please?

[Yea Eun Lee 1H]

rate-determining step is used when you know which elementary reaction is the slow step. steady state approximation is used when you don't know the rate-determining step or when there's multiple rate-determining steps