How to Study the Kinetics of Chemical Reactions
Interpret the reaction statement appropriately., Account for stoichiometric ratios., Learn about transition state molecules.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Interpret the reaction statement appropriately.
Reaction statements describe the stoichiometry of the reaction.
They can be used in two ways.
Sometimes, the reaction statement simply denotes ratio of chemical species as a result of the reaction.
If known, the reaction statement can represent the molecular changes that take place during the reaction, such as intermediate steps.A reaction without known intermediate molecules is known as an elementary reaction. -
Step 2: Account for stoichiometric ratios.
The study of stoichiometry focuses on relative amounts of chemicals as a reaction proceeds.
You should be comfortable with this idea.
The relative amounts of reactants and products will affect the rate that the reaction continues to a large extent.Acknowledge that reactions can proceed in the reverse direction (product back to reactants) under the right stoichiometric conditions.
For example, there is too much product in the environment, so it begins to move back toward the original reactants. , Transition states are molecules that form in the middle of a reaction.
Understand that transition state molecules are highly unstable and usually break down in a fraction of a second.
Work through the transition states of any reactions that have a known transition state to learn the mechanism of the reaction. -
Step 3: Learn about transition state molecules.
Detailed Guide
Reaction statements describe the stoichiometry of the reaction.
They can be used in two ways.
Sometimes, the reaction statement simply denotes ratio of chemical species as a result of the reaction.
If known, the reaction statement can represent the molecular changes that take place during the reaction, such as intermediate steps.A reaction without known intermediate molecules is known as an elementary reaction.
The study of stoichiometry focuses on relative amounts of chemicals as a reaction proceeds.
You should be comfortable with this idea.
The relative amounts of reactants and products will affect the rate that the reaction continues to a large extent.Acknowledge that reactions can proceed in the reverse direction (product back to reactants) under the right stoichiometric conditions.
For example, there is too much product in the environment, so it begins to move back toward the original reactants. , Transition states are molecules that form in the middle of a reaction.
Understand that transition state molecules are highly unstable and usually break down in a fraction of a second.
Work through the transition states of any reactions that have a known transition state to learn the mechanism of the reaction.
About the Author
Deborah Kelly
Specializes in breaking down complex organization topics into simple steps.
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