Are catalysts included in rate law?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether catalysts are taken into account when formulating the rate law of a chemical reaction. The rate law expresses the rate of a reaction in terms of the concentration of reactants, so understanding the role of catalysts in this context is important.
Answer
Yes, if they are involved in the rate-determining step.
Catalysts can be present in the rate law if they participate in the rate-determining step of the reaction.
Answer for screen readers
Catalysts can be present in the rate law if they participate in the rate-determining step of the reaction.
More Information
Catalysts provide an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy but do not get consumed in the process.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume catalysts always appear in the rate law. They do only if they affect the rate-determining step.
Sources
- Catalyst in rate equations : r/chemistry - Reddit - reddit.com
- 3.3: The Rate Law - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- 3. The web page with info on - Example Source - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
