In chemistry, mechanism refers to step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which an overall chemical change occurs.
Imagine building a LEGO set - each individual step and piece (elementary reaction) is necessary to complete the final model (overall chemical change).
Rate-Determining Step: The slowest step in a reaction mechanism that determines the overall rate of the reaction.
Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
Intermediate: A substance formed during a middle step of a chemical reaction between reactants and the desired product.
The reaction described [O3(g) + O(g) → 2O2(g)] is the decomposition of O3. With an addition of NO, the reaction proceeds in two elementary steps and a mechanism is shown: [Step 1: O3 + NO → NO2 + O2 (slow)] [Step 2: NO2 + O → NO + O2 (fast)]. Which is the rate law?
When you _______ the elementary steps of a mechanism, an overall balanced chemical equation is given.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.