alleryStart learning →What is a reaction mechanism?
AThe balanced equation for the change
BThe stepwise sequence of elementary reactions
CThe energy released during the change
DThe list of catalysts used in the change
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The stepwise sequence of elementary reactions
1. A balanced equation says what goes in and what comes out, but nothing about how.
2. The mechanism, also called the reaction path, is the route actually followed.
3. It is written as a sequence of elementary steps that add up to the overall equation.
4. Energy changes and catalyst lists are separate pieces of information about the reaction.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 12 "Kinetics", section 12.6 Reaction Mechanisms_
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