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Anabelle37
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Homework Statement
In the real world trimolecular reactions are rare, although trimerizations are not. Consider
the following trimerization reaction in which three monomers of A combine to form the
trimer C,
A + A [itex]\Updownarrow[/itex] B, where k1 and k-1 are the forward and reverse rate constants respectively.
and,
A + B [itex]\Updownarrow[/itex] C. where k2 and k-2 are the forward and reverse rate constants respectively.
(a) Use the law of mass action to find the rate of production of the trimer C.
(b) Suppose k−1 >> k−2, k2A. Use the appropriate quasi-steady-state approximation to find the rates of production of A and C, and show that the rate of production of C is proportional to [A]3. Explain in words why this is so.
Homework Equations
law of mass action, quasi-steady-state approximation
The Attempt at a Solution
let c = concentration of C, a = concentration of A, b = concentration of B
using law of mass action:
dc/dt = k2ab - k-2c
Is this correct??
Also I don't know how to go about part b? don't really understand the quasi-steady state for this system.