Chaotic transitions phase-space transition states

In contrast, conventional reaction rate theory replaces the dynamics within the potential well by fluctuations at equilibrium. This replacement is made possible by the assumption of local equilibrium, in which the characteristic time scale of vibrational relaxation is supposed to be much shorter than that of reaction. Furthermore, it is supposed that the phase space within the potential well is uniformly covered by chaotic motions. Thus, only information concerning the saddle regions of the potential is taken into account in considering the reaction dynamics. This approach is called the transition state theory. 

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