4.6 - Rate-Determining Step and the Steady-State Approximation
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Practice Questions
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What is the rate-determining step (RDS)?
💡 Hint: Think about which step limits the reaction speed.
Explain how the steady-state approximation is used in kinetic studies.
💡 Hint: Consider why it's useful to assume intermediates don't change significantly during the reaction.
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Interactive Quizzes
Quick quizzes to reinforce your learning
What defines the rate-determining step in a multi-step reaction?
💡 Hint: Think about which step limits the speed of the entire reaction.
True or False: The steady-state approximation allows for changing concentrations of intermediates.
💡 Hint: What does 'constant' mean in this context?
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Challenge Problems
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Consider a reaction mechanism with three steps: A + B ⇌ C (fast), C → D (slow, RDS), and D → E (fast). Using the steady-state approximation, derive the rate law for the formation of E.
💡 Hint: What equilibrium constant can help connect A and B to C?
Explain how the introduction of a catalyst could change the rate-determining step in a reaction mechanism.
💡 Hint: Consider how catalysts affect energy barriers.
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