Question

Which rate law is termolecular?

-rate = k[A][B]
-rate = k[A]^2
-rate = k[A]^2[B]
-rate = k[A]
-rate = k[A][B][C][D]

Answer 1

The termolecular rate law that involves three molecules in the rate-determining step is -rate = k[A][B][C][D]. Termolecular reactions are uncommon due to the low probability of simultaneous collisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The termolecular rate law involves the simultaneous collision of three molecules. Among the provided rate laws, the termolecular one is -rate = k[A][B][C][D], indicating a reaction involving four reactants with one molecule of each kind participating in a single step. This type of reaction mechanism is rare due to the low probability of three or more molecules colliding at the same time with the correct orientation and sufficient energy to react. In termolecular reactions, three reactant molecules collide simultaneously to form the products.

However, such reactions are rare because the probability of three molecules colliding at the same time is very low. Most reactions follow unimolecular or bimolecular rate laws.