## Pre Equilibrium Approach

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

Daniel Yu 1E
Posts: 100
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:15 am

### Pre Equilibrium Approach

What is the pre equilibrium approach? How do you use it? What does it mean for kinetics?

Chris Tai 1B
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Pre Equilibrium Approach

The pre equilibrium approach is a method that is used to help determine the experimental rate law based on an observed rate law. We know that there is a fast step and a slow step, since there is likely an intermediate that is produced in between the two steps. If the early step is fast, and the later step is slow, then there is a bottle neck and a buildup of the intermediate substance that results in the slower step going to equilibrium. Thus, we can use the equilibrium constant K to substitute it into the given equation that we have to determine the instantaneous rate at a specific period of time. This should agree with the experimental rate law, and is superior to the steady-state approach but less flexible. Both approaches give the same result.