In a two-step mechanism the first elementary step is rapid and reversible
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Kinetics · Kinetics
Problem
In a two-step mechanism the first elementary step is rapid and reversible, whereas the second step is much slower. Which of the following conditions must be satisfied so that the rate law can be written solely in terms of the reactant concentrations present before the reaction begins?
(a) The forward and reverse rates of the initial step quickly become equal relative to the rate of the slow step.
(b) The net rate of formation of every intermediate is zero at all times during the reaction.
(c) The forward and reverse rates of the slow step quickly become equal before significant product forms.
(d) The reaction mixture as a whole reaches thermodynamic equilibrium almost instantaneously.