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Chemistry Forums for Students => Physical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Winga on February 23, 2005, 10:27:14 PM

Title: What's meant by the steady state approximation in chemical kinetics?
Post by: Winga on February 23, 2005, 10:27:14 PM

1. What's meant by the steady state approximation in chemical kinetics?
2. Why is it useful and under what conditions is it valid?

Title: Re:What's meant by the steady state approximation in chemical kinetics?
Post by: Mitch on February 24, 2005, 12:00:14 AM

I'm sure there is a huge section in your book about this. Be more specific.

Title: Re:What's meant by the steady state approximation in chemical kinetics?
Post by: Donaldson Tan on March 09, 2005, 07:15:36 AM

i am examining this question for a chemical engineer's point of view:

steady state means there is no accumulation of intermediate species throughout the process. it's a valid assumption because:
1. there are no intermediates at the end of the reaction.
2. the extent of reaction between the product and intermediate is either zero or insignificant
3. the elementary step to form the final product is irreversible

it's a useful approximation because it simplifies the derivation of the rate law.