Term: gradual (sudden) potential-energy surface
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02674

Definition:
These terms relate to the steepness of the energy rise along the reaction path of a potential-energy (reaction) surface.

Related Terms:
1) reaction path (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05174).
2) potential-energy (reaction) surface (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04780).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 167 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)

Citation: 'gradual (sudden) potential-energy surface' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.G02674

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