AP Chemistry · Unit 5: Kinetics
5.7 Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms
In short
You must understand that a reaction mechanism is a sequence of elementary steps that must sum to the overall balanced chemical equation. You must be able to identify the various components of a mechanism, specifically distinguishing between reactants, products, catalysts, and intermediates.
Last updated
What else do you need to know about Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms?
Intermediates are explicitly defined as species produced in one step and consumed in a subsequent step. While you should know that experimental detection of intermediates supports a proposed mechanism, the actual collection of data pertaining to the detection of a reaction intermediate is explicitly excluded from the AP Exam.
Can you do these?
- I can verify that the elementary steps of a mechanism combine to yield the overall balanced chemical equation.
- I can identify a reaction intermediate as a species produced in one elementary step and consumed in another.
- I can understand that detecting a reaction intermediate provides experimental evidence to support a proposed reaction mechanism.
How is Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms tested on the exam?
You are assessed on your ability to describe the components of models and representations (Skill 1.B). You will likely be asked to identify intermediates and catalysts from a given multi-step mechanism, or to verify that the elementary steps add up to the overall balanced equation. A common task is distinguishing between an intermediate (produced then consumed) and a catalyst (consumed then produced). Questions will not require you to collect or analyze raw data regarding the experimental detection of intermediates.
Free practice questions with full explanations, and instant marking of your free-response answers.
Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms: common questions
What do you need to know about Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms for AP Chemistry?
You must understand that a reaction mechanism is a sequence of elementary steps that must sum to the overall balanced chemical equation. You must be able to identify the various components of a mechanism, specifically distinguishing between reactants, products, catalysts, and intermediates.
How is Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms tested on the AP Chemistry exam?
You are assessed on your ability to describe the components of models and representations (Skill 1.B). You will likely be asked to identify intermediates and catalysts from a given multi-step mechanism, or to verify that the elementary steps add up to the overall balanced equation.
How do I know I have mastered Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms?
Check you can do each of these: verify that the elementary steps of a mechanism combine to yield the overall balanced chemical equation; identify a reaction intermediate as a species produced in one elementary step and consumed in another; understand that detecting a reaction intermediate provides experimental evidence to support a proposed reaction mechanism.
Where does Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms fit in AP Chemistry?
Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms is topic 5.7 in Unit 5: Kinetics of AP Chemistry.
Want help mastering this topic?
Work through Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms one-on-one with an AP Guru tutor.
Book a free demo class