Kinetics and Mechanisms Overview

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to kinetics and mechanisms in chemistry.

Kinetics

The study of the rates of chemical processes.

Collision Theory

A theory that states chemical reactions can occur when reactant molecules collide with sufficient energy and appropriate orientation.

Rate Determining Step

The slowest step in a reaction mechanism that determines the overall rate of the reaction.

Elementary Step

A single step in a reaction mechanism that describes the direct molecular interactions involved.

Intermediate

A species that is formed in one step of a mechanism and consumed in another.

Mechanism

The step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which a chemical change occurs.

Energy Barrier

The minimum energy required for a reaction to occur, often represented in energy diagrams as a 'hump'.

Fast Step First

A mechanism where a quick reaction occurs before slower subsequent reactions.

Slow Step First

A mechanism where the slowest step is considered first in determining the rate.

Reactants

The starting materials in a chemical reaction.

Catalyst

A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed by the reaction.

Net Overall Chemical Reaction

The balanced equation that summarizes the overall change from reactants to products.

Experimental Rate Law

The relationship determined from experimental data that describes the rate of a chemical reaction.