Question detail
If a reaction mechanism has three steps and the second step is the rate-determining step, what can be inferred about the overall reaction rate?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Rate equations (A-level only)
Question
- A. It is determined by the first step
- B. It is determined by the second step
- C. It is determined by the third step
- D. It is independent of the mechanism
Answer
It is determined by the second step
Explanation
The overall reaction rate is influenced by the rate-determining step. Since the second step is the slowest, it will control the rate of the overall reaction.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Rate-Determining Step
Students often confuse the rate-determining step with the overall reaction equation, failing to identify which step limits the rate of the reaction.
To clarify, remember that the rate-determining step is the slowest step in the reaction mechanism that controls the overall rate. Identify the step with the highest activation energy or the one that takes the longest time to occur.
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