In the reactions involved in the photodecomposition of ozone (shown below) , what does M symbolize?
1) O₂(g) + hv → O (g) + O (g)
2) O (g) + O₂(g) + M (g) →O₃(g) + M^*(g)
3) O₃(g) + hv →O₂(g) + O (g)
4) O (g) + O (g) + M (g) →O₂(g) + M^*(g)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In chemical equations, M is often used as a general symbol to represent any third reactant or product that is not specifically named or identified. Therefore, choice E is the best option as it represents a generic molecule. None of the other answer choices are relevant to the reaction.

In the Reactions Involved in the Photodecomposition of Ozone (Shown