Abstract

The introduction of the activated complex permits a simple model of the crossing of potential barriers. With this model, the rate constant of any elementary reaction can be calculated, if the structure of the activated complex is known. The general results of transition state theory lead to an understanding of some important predictions of geochemical interest. For example, the effect of ionic strength on rates or the compensation law can be analyzed using transition state theory. The theory can also be applied to transport in condensed media as well as to heterogeneous reactions. Although the potential energy surfaces needed to calculate the rates of geochemical reactions can only be estimated in a rough way, transition state theory provides an important framework, which allows a molecular approach to kinetics. It is this unifying characteristic of the theory that makes it worthwhile for use in geochemical kinetics. (JMT)

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