Question:medium

For a complex reaction, the order of reaction is equal to:

Updated On: Mar 27, 2026
  • Sum of stoichiometric coefficients
  • Molecularity of the overall reaction
  • Order of the fastest step
  • Molecularity of the slowest step
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

For intricate reactions, it is essential to grasp how the reaction order is established. The order of a reaction is generally dictated by its rate-determining step, which represents the slowest stage within a reaction mechanism.

Molecularity, in a reaction mechanism step, quantifies the number of molecules involved. In a complex reaction, the molecularity of the slowest step directly impacts the reaction order. This is because the overall reaction rate is constrained by the speed of this slowest step, meaning the order of the overall reaction corresponds to the molecularity of this critical step.

Consequently, for a complex reaction, the order of reaction is equivalent to: the molecularity of the slowest step.

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