Learning objective
Explain the rate-determining step in a mechanism.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
At a glance
0
Flashcards
0
Questions
Topic
Rate equations (A-level only)
Subtopic
Mechanisms and rate-determining steps (A-level only)
Study support
Understand this objective
Quick explanation
Explain the rate-determining step in a mechanism
- This point belongs to Rate equations (A-level only), especially Mechanisms and rate-determining steps (A-level only).
- You need to be able to explain the rate-determining step in a mechanism.
- The key ideas to know are mechanism and rate-determining step.
- Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.
Key concepts
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Mechanisms and rate-determining steps (A-level only) to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Rate equations (A-level only).
Quick student answer
Which of the following statements correctly describes the rate-determining step in a reaction mechanism?
Direct answer
C. It is the step that determines the overall rate of the reaction.
Key terms
- Rate-determining step: The slowest step in a reaction mechanism that determines the overall rate of the reaction.
- Mechanism: The sequence of elementary steps that describes the pathway from reactants to products in a chemical reaction.
Common trap
Confusing fast and slow steps: Remember that the rate-determining step is the slowest step, which controls the overall reaction rate.
Related questions
Try this as a practice card
Question 1 of 3
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.
Flashcard prompts
Flip through the key recall cards
Flashcard 1 of 3
Revision tools
Choose how to practise
Flashcards0 linked cards
Practice Questions0 linked questions
Revision notestopic notes
Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.
Open revision notesRelated learning objectives
- Deduce orders of reaction from initial rate data.
Rate equations and orders (A-level only)
- Write rate equations using experimentally determined orders.
Rate equations and orders (A-level only)
- Calculate rate constants and their units.
Rate equations and orders (A-level only)
- Use half-life evidence for first-order reactions.
Rate equations and orders (A-level only)
- Interpret concentration-time graphs.
Rate equations and orders (A-level only)