Thermodynamic and Kinetic Control

This study guide covers kinetic control, explaining why spontaneous reactions (negative ΔG) can be slow. It reviews thermodynamics vs. kinetics, reaction rates, rate laws, and activation energy (Ea). The guide emphasizes the importance of Ea in determining reaction speed and uses the diamond-to-graphite conversion as a key example. Finally, it discusses how catalysts lower Ea, increasing reaction rates, and provides practice questions covering these concepts.