Consider the following energy profile.
(a) How many elementary reactions are in the reaction mechanism?

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1. An elementary reaction is a single step in a reaction mechanism. In an energy profile, each peak represents an activated complex or transition state, and each valley represents a stable species (either a reactant, product, or intermediate).

2. To determine the number of elementary reactions, count the number of peaks in the energy profile. Each peak corresponds to a transition state, which is the highest energy point along the reaction path for an elementary step.

3. The number of elementary reactions is one less than the number of peaks, because each elementary reaction goes from one valley (a stable species) to the next, passing over a peak (a transition state).

4. Therefore, the number of elementary reactions in the reaction mechanism is equal to the number of peaks minus one.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Elementary Reactions

Elementary reactions are single-step processes that occur in a chemical reaction mechanism. Each elementary reaction involves a direct interaction between reactants to form products, and they cannot be broken down into simpler steps. The overall reaction mechanism is composed of one or more elementary reactions, and understanding these is crucial for analyzing the kinetics and dynamics of the reaction.

Reaction Mechanism

A reaction mechanism is a detailed description of the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions that occur during a chemical transformation. It provides insight into how reactants are converted into products, including the intermediates formed and the energy changes involved. Analyzing the mechanism helps chemists understand the rate of reaction and the factors influencing it.

Energy Profile

An energy profile is a graphical representation that illustrates the energy changes during a chemical reaction. It typically shows the energy of the reactants, products, and any intermediates, along with the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed. Understanding the energy profile is essential for identifying the number of elementary reactions and the overall energy landscape of the reaction mechanism.