Which rate law is consistent with the proposed mechanism for the reaction?
NO₂(g) + CO(g) → NO₂(g) + CO₂(g)
Mechanism:
2 NO₂(g) → NO₃(g) + NO(g) (fast)
NO₃(g) + CO(g) → NO₂(g) + CO₂(g) (slow)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate-determining step is the slow step, which is the second step. The rate law is determined by the reactants in the slow step. Since NO₃ is an intermediate, we express it in terms of NO₂ from the fast equilibrium step, leading to Rate = k[NO₂]².

Which Rate Law Is Consistent with the Proposed Mechanism for the Reaction