A catalytic process converts substrate S to product P in the presence of catalyst Cat. A simplified mechanism is proposed:
Step 1 (slow): S + Cat → S–Cat‡
Step 2 (fast): S–Cat‡ → P + Cat
Assume Cat is not consumed overall.
(a) Write the rate law that follows from this mechanism.
(b) The catalyst concentration is doubled while the substrate concentration is held constant. Predict the quantitative effect on the initial reaction rate and justify your answer.
(c) Explain why the presence of Cat in steps other than the slow step would not alter the form of the rate law, provided that those other steps remain faster than Step 1.