5.8.A—Identify the rate law for a reaction from a mechanism in which the first step is rate limiting

Identify the rate law for a reaction from a mechanism in which the first step is rate limiting.

• For reaction mechanisms in which each elementary step is irreversible, or in which the first step is rate limiting, the rate law of the reaction is set by the molecularity of the slowest elementary step (i.e., the rate-limiting step).
  • Exclusion: Collection of data pertaining to detection of a reaction intermediate will not be assessed on the AP Exam.