(a)
Interpretation:
The slowest step in the given mechanism has to be identified.
Concept Introduction:
When the rate constants for each of the steps in the mechanism are given, we can identify the slowest or the rate determining step. Lower the value of rate constant, slower will be the reaction.
(b)
Interpretation:
The step with the lowest activation energy has to be identified.
Concept Introduction:
For a reaction to take place, the reactants must cross the minimum energy barrier called the activation energy. So, for a reaction with lower activation energy, the reactants can easily convert to products as the energy barrier is less. So, lower activation energy, greater will be the rate constant or the reaction rate.

Want to see the full answer?
Check out a sample textbook solution
Chapter 7 Solutions
Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
- Introduction to General, Organic and BiochemistryChemistryISBN:9781285869759Author:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar TorresPublisher:Cengage LearningChemistry by OpenStax (2015-05-04)ChemistryISBN:9781938168390Author:Klaus Theopold, Richard H Langley, Paul Flowers, William R. Robinson, Mark BlaserPublisher:OpenStaxChemistry: Principles and PracticeChemistryISBN:9780534420123Author:Daniel L. Reger, Scott R. Goode, David W. Ball, Edward MercerPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Introductory Chemistry: A FoundationChemistryISBN:9781337399425Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCostePublisher:Cengage LearningChemistry for Today: General, Organic, and Bioche...ChemistryISBN:9781305960060Author:Spencer L. Seager, Michael R. Slabaugh, Maren S. HansenPublisher:Cengage Learning




