Overall Order of Reaction

Definition

The overall order of reaction refers to the sum of exponents in a rate law equation. It represents how changes in reactant concentrations affect the overall reaction rate.

Related terms

Elementary Reaction:

A single step within an overall chemical reaction mechanism.

Molecularity:

The number of molecules or ions involved as reactants in an elementary step within a chemical reaction mechanism.

Rate-Determining Step:

The slowest step in an overall chemical reaction mechanism that determines its overall rate.