## Reactions with multiple reactants

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

bonnie_schmitz_1F
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### Reactions with multiple reactants

I'm still a little confused on this concept on determining the rate. In lecture, we said if [A]0 >> [B]0 and [C]0 then rate = k'[A]^N. Why do we use k' instead of k?

MackenziePerillo-1L
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Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:19 am

### Re: Reactions with multiple reactants

bonnie_schmitz_1F wrote:I'm still a little confused on this concept on determining the rate. In lecture, we said if [A]0 >> [B]0 and [C]0 then rate = k'[A]^N. Why do we use k' instead of k?

k' is generally used instead of k to symbolize the rate of the reverse reaction, as to your specific question, A is probably in the products of the reaction you are looking at, which is why you would have k'. However, you would need to see the reaction to know this for sure. Do you have the given reaction?

bonnie_schmitz_1F
Posts: 81
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### Re: Reactions with multiple reactants

MackenziePerillo-1L wrote:
k' is generally used instead of k to symbolize the rate of the reverse reaction, as to your specific question, A is probably in the products of the reaction you are looking at, which is why you would have k'. However, you would need to see the reaction to know this for sure. Do you have the given reaction?

I think it was A + B + C --> P.