Question

Consider the following reaction that goes from A to B in three steps as shown

below Choose the correct option:

• A.

  Number of intermediates	Number of Activated complexes	Rate determining step
  2	3	II

• B.

  Number of intermediates	Number of Activated complexes	Rate determining step
  2	3	III

• C.

  Number of intermediates	Number of Activated complexes	Rate determining step
  3	2	II

• D.

  Number of intermediates	Number of Activated complexes	Rate determining step
  2	3	I

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Reaction Energy Diagram Analysis 

• Intermediates: Intermediates are species formed during a reaction that are subsequently consumed. They are represented by the valleys in the energy diagram. In the given diagram , there are two valleys, corresponding to two intermediates.
• Activated Complexes: Activated complexes are high-energy transition state species that exist at the peak of each energy barrier. There are three peaks in the diagram, representing three activated complexes.
• Rate-Determining Step: The rate-determining step (RDS) is the slowest step in a multi-step reaction. It is represented by the highest energy barrier. In the given diagram, step II has the highest activation energy and therefore is the rate-determining step.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option is (1): 2 intermediates, 3 activated complexes, and step II as the rate-determining step.