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How to determine the order of a reaction from the rate-determining step? Discuss.

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Final answer:

The rate-determining step in a reaction is the slowest step in the sequence of steps in a reaction mechanism. To determine the order of a reaction from the rate-determining step, compare the changes in initial concentrations with the corresponding changes in rates of reaction to determine the reaction order for each species. Then, write the rate law for the reaction and solve for the rate constant (k).

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate-determining step in a reaction is the slowest step in the sequence of steps in a reaction mechanism. It determines the overall rate of the reaction. To determine the order of a reaction from the rate-determining step, you can follow these steps:

Compare the changes in initial concentrations with the corresponding changes in rates of reaction to determine the reaction order for each species.

Write the rate law for the reaction based on the determined reaction order.

Using data from any experiment, substitute appropriate values into the rate law equation and solve for the rate constant (k).

This approach allows you to identify the rate-determining step and determine the order of the reaction from it.

User Darlan Dieterich
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