In the context of deriving a rate law using the pre-equilibrium approximation
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Kinetics · Kinetics
Problem
In the context of deriving a rate law using the pre-equilibrium approximation, which statement about the first elementary step must be satisfied for the approximation to be valid?
(a) It is the overall rate-determining (slow) step of the reaction.
(b) Its equilibrium constant must be much less than 1, so that little product from the first step is formed.
(c) It reaches equilibrium rapidly compared with the subsequent slow step.
(d) It must be essentially irreversible, allowing the intermediate to accumulate.