Rate-determining step
Rate-determining step
The Rate-determining step (pronounced: /ˈreɪt dɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪŋ stɛp/) is a term used in Chemistry and Biochemistry to describe the slowest step in a Chemical reaction or process that determines the overall rate of the reaction.
Etymology
The term "Rate-determining step" is derived from the English words "rate", "determine", and "step". "Rate" comes from the Latin rata which means "fixed standard". "Determine" is derived from the Latin determinare which means "to limit, set boundaries". "Step" comes from the Old English stæpe or stepe, meaning "stair or strong pace".
Definition
In a series of Chemical reactions, the rate-determining step is the slowest step, and thus determines the overall rate at which the entire process occurs. The rate of the reaction is determined by the rate law, which is dependent on the rate-determining step. The rate-determining step can be identified by studying the Reaction mechanism and using experimental data.
Related Terms
- Chemical kinetics: The study of rates of chemical processes.
- Reaction mechanism: The step by step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
- Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
- Rate law: An equation that links the reaction rate with concentrations or pressures of reactants and constant parameters.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rate-determining step
- Wikipedia's article - Rate-determining step
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