Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why the slowest elementary step limits the rate of the whole reaction. (Guide: “The slowest step sets the pace”)
- I can explain why the rate law comes from the slow step and not from the overall equation. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q6(b))
- I can explain why an intermediate cannot appear in an experimental rate law, while a catalyst can. (Guide: “Writing the rate law from a mechanism”; Practice Q4(d))
Calculation
- I can write the rate law predicted by a mechanism whose first step is slow. (Practice Q1, Q4(b))
- I can give the units of k from the overall order of the rate law. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q4, Q5)
- I can calculate a rate from a rate law, k and concentrations. (Practice Q4(c), Q5(c), Q6(c))
- I can predict the factor by which the rate changes when one or more concentrations change, including zero-order reactants. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q2)
- I can find the rate law and k from initial-rate data. (Practice Q5(a))
Reasoning
- I can decide whether a mechanism is consistent with both the overall equation and an experimental rate law. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q3, Q5(b))
- I can evaluate a claim that uses overall coefficients as reaction orders. (Practice Q6)
- I can explain why two mechanisms can predict the same rate law, and what extra evidence could separate them. (Guide: “Testing a mechanism against experiment”; Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 5.9, Pre-Equilibrium Approximation, or return to the course roadmap.