Question

Consider the following representation of a reaction mechanism.

Step 1: A+A → C+E (slow)
Step 2: E + B → A+D (fast)
Overall reaction: A + B → C + D

What should appear in the rate law for the reaction above?

A) only A and B because they are reactants in the overall reaction

B) only C and C because they are products in the overall reaction

C) only A because it is the reactant in the rate-determining step

D) only E and B because they are the reactants in the rate-determining step​

Answer 1

C) only A because it is the reactant in the rate-determining step

The rate law for an overall reaction is always based on the rate law of the slow step.