The overall order of reaction refers to the sum of exponents in a rate law equation. It represents how changes in reactant concentrations affect the overall reaction rate.
Related terms
Elementary Reaction: A single step within an overall chemical reaction mechanism.
Molecularity: The number of molecules or ions involved as reactants in an elementary step within a chemical reaction mechanism.
Rate-Determining Step: The slowest step in an overall chemical reaction mechanism that determines its overall rate.