Class 5

Rate-Determining Steps

Class 5 defines rate-determining step and introduces quasi-equilibrium. Their use in eliminating concentrations of reactive intermediates from mechanistic rate expressions is described and illustrated.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Class 5 you should…

1. know that a rate-determining step is a kinetic bottleneck, but it is not the slowest step in a mechanism
2. know that the free energy change for a rate-determining step is nearly equal to the free energy change for the associated non-elementary reaction
3. know that if there is a rate-determining step, all other steps are quasi-equilibrated
4. know how to use rate-determining and quasi-equilibrated steps to eliminate concentrations of reactive intermediates from mechanistic rate expressions

Preparation Assignment

• Read Chapter 5 through section 5.2.4, Section 5.2.8, and Example 5.3.3 of Reaction Engineering Basics
• Watch Class 5 Preparation Video

Class 5

• Class 5 Video (forthcoming on YouTube)

Practice Assignment

• Class 5 Practice Assignment Narrative (forthcoming)
• Class 5 Practice Assignment Solution (forthcoming)

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