Steady State Approximation

[Trisha Mantri 3L]

Could someone explain why steady state approximation is an assumption that can be made? I'm a little confused as to why we can just assume that the formation of reaction intermediates is 0.

[Tala Ayoub 1H]

I believe that it is because it is based on the assumption that one intermediate in the reaction mechanism is consumed as quickly as it is generated. Therefore, its concentration remains the same in a duration of the reaction.

[Dolores B]

The intermediate is neither one of the reactants nor one of the products so it only lasts for a short time during the course of the reaction which is why it is consumed as quickly as it is regenerated.

[Hamna_Khan_2E]

Hi!

This assumption is based on the idea that the rate of production of the intermediate species is equal to its rate of consumption, or that the intermediate species is generated and eaten at the same rate. Thus, the concentration of the intermediate species is said to be in a "steady state."

Hope this helps!