Chemical Kinetics

Question 1

change in Gibbs free energy (∆G)

Answer 1

determines whether or not a reactions is spontaneous

Question 2

chemical mechanisms

Answer 2

propose a series of steps that make up the overall reaction

Question 3

intermediates

Answer 3

molecules that exist within the course of a reaction but are neither reactants nor products overall

Question 4

rate-determining step

Answer 4

slowest step; limits the maximum rate at which the reaction can proceed

Question 5

collision theory

Answer 5

states that a reaction rate is proportional to the # of effective collisions between the reacting molecules

Question 6

activation energy

Answer 6

exceeded if molecules in proper orientation and have sufficient kinetic energy; for a collision to be effective