## Rate determining step

$K = \frac{k_{forward}}{k_{reverse}}$

Fiona Jackson 1D
Posts: 30
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:22 am

### Rate determining step

I know that the slowest step in a reaction mechanism is the rate determining step and, if it's the first step, it can be used to calculate the rate law. But, if the first step is not the slow step, how do we find the rate law?

melodyzaki2E
Posts: 61
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:18 am

### Re: Rate determining step

I'm confused about this too. I think in elementary steps, we can use the coefficients as the exponents for the rate law equation or maybe experimental data?

Camille Marangi 2E
Posts: 60
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:26 am

### Re: Rate determining step

Usually, from what I have seen, if the slow step isn't the first step it has an intermediate in the rate law that you would form. So you find the rate law for the other step with the intermediate, solve for the concentration of that intermediate, then plug that new equation in for the intermediate. That should give you the correct rate law.