Consider the following representation of a reaction mechanism.

Step 1: Unimolecular (fast)

Step 2: Bimolecular (slow)

Step 3: Unimolecular (fast)

Which conclusion about the rate law for the reaction above is reasonable?

A. It is first order overall because step 1 is unimolecular.

B. It is first order overall because both steps 1 and 3 are unimolecular.

C. It is second order overall because step 2 is bimolecular.

Question

Asia Riley

Chemistry

23 October, 08:57

Consider the following representation of a reaction mechanism.

Step 1: Unimolecular (fast)

Step 2: Bimolecular (slow)

Step 3: Unimolecular (fast)

Which conclusion about the rate law for the reaction above is reasonable?

A. It is first order overall because step 1 is unimolecular.

B. It is first order overall because both steps 1 and 3 are unimolecular.

C. It is second order overall because step 2 is bimolecular.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Eve Howell · Answer 1

The rate determining step would be the slow step. Thus, Step 2 which is bimolecular is the rate determining step. I believe the correct answer from the choices listed above is option C. The reasonable conclusion would be that it is second order overall because step 2 is bimolecular. Hope this answers the question.