Apentix/AP Chemistry/Unit 5: Kinetics/Question
AP Chemistryeasymcq1 pt

What distinguishes an elementary reaction from an ordinary balanced equation?

A.An elementary reaction occurs in a single molecular event, exactly as written
B.An elementary reaction must involve at least three reactant molecules
C.An elementary reaction cannot appear inside a mechanism
D.An elementary reaction always releases heat

Explanation

Core Concept

Elementary steps describe actual collisions or decompositions at the molecular level, so their coefficients state how many particles participate at once. Ordinary balanced equations summarize only net stoichiometry and may bundle many steps together. As a result, coefficients translate directly into a rate law only for elementary processes. Most real reactions need several elementary steps to travel from reactants to products.

Correct Answer

AAn elementary reaction occurs in a single molecular event, exactly as written

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