Question

Considering the series of experiments with varying reactant concentrations and observed reaction rates, which factor is likely to be the rate-determining step based on the provided information?

a. Reactant concentration X
b. Reactant concentration Y
c. Reactant concentration Z
d. Balanced reaction coefficients

Answer 1

The rate-determining step in a reaction is the slowest in the reaction mechanism and determines the overall rate of the reaction. Based on the provided information, the factor that is likely to be the rate-determining step is the balanced reaction coefficients. The option (D) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate-determining step in a reaction is the slowest in the reaction mechanism and determines the overall rate of the reaction.

In this case, based on the information provided, the factor that is likely to be the rate-determining step is the balanced reaction coefficients. The rate law for a reaction is determined by the slowest step in the reaction mechanism. The slowest step is often the one with the highest activation energy, which is influenced by the balanced reaction coefficients. Therefore, option (D) is correct.