Reaction coordinate
= Reaction coordinate
{title2=$q$}
{wiki}
A <reaction coordinate> parametrizes changes in molecular configuration along a <chemical reaction> path. It can involve a <bond length>, a <bond angle>, or a combination of geometric changes. It is not elapsed time and is not the bulk <extent of reaction>: one describes configurations, while the other accounts for how much material has converted. The precise choice matters when interpreting an <energy profile (chemistry)>. See the https://goldbook.iupac.org/terms/view/R05168[IUPAC Gold Book: reaction coordinate].