The rate determining step for a complex reaction is ____

the slowest step

The correct answer is Option (1) → the slowest step

The rate determining step for a complex reaction is the slowest step.

• A complex reaction occurs in multiple steps.

• The slowest step controls the overall rate because:

  • Faster steps must wait for the slow step to occur.

• Hence, it acts like a bottleneck in the reaction mechanism.

• The correct answer is the slowest step