In: Chemistry
A chemical equation (even a balanced chemical equation) is not able to tell us how the reaction actually occurs. However, we can predict the rate law of a reaction, if we propose a plausible reaction mechanism. Consider the mechanism proposed for the decomposition reaction A 2 B + C, and understand the rate law from the molecular view.
(a) Derive the possible rate law based on mechanism (I). step 1: A k1 B + X slow step 2: X k2 B + C fast
(b) Derive the possible rate law based on mechanism (II). step 1: A k1 k−1 C + M fast step 2: M k2 2 B slow
(c) Comparing to the rate law in Question 1 (or Question 2), which mechanism is plausible for the decomposition reaction, (I) or (II) ?
One cannot always express the rate law of a reaction mere by seeing its chemical reaction. Therefore, it is required to calculate the rate for each reaction step and then determine the overall rate of the reaction.
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