Chemistry › Section L · Kinetics › Topic L.6
Reaction mechanisms
A balanced equation shows where a reaction starts and finishes, not how it gets there. A mechanism is the proposed sequence of simple steps along the way, and the rate law is the main evidence for deciding which sequence is right.
In this topic
- The equation is only a summary
- Elementary steps and molecularity
- Rate laws of elementary steps
- Intermediates and catalysts
- The rate-determining step
- Worked example: a slow first step
- A fast equilibrium before the slow step
- Worked example: hydrogen and iodine
- Judging a proposed mechanism
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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