Final answer:
Chemical kinetics involves studying reaction rates and the factors influencing them, predicting changes under varying conditions, and understanding the molecular mechanisms of reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical kinetics is the study of reaction rates, focusing on how quickly reactants are converted into products over time. The overall reaction refers to the net chemical equation that reflects the process from reactants to products. Initial reaction rates can be determined by plotting a graph of the change in concentration of a reactant or product over time and extrapolating to t = 0. Studying kinetics is crucial for understanding the molecular events, or the reaction mechanism, that occur during a reaction. Chemical kinetics also helps predict how changing conditions can affect the rate and extent of a reaction and the point at which a system reaches chemical equilibrium.