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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the second and fourth reactions, M is used to represent any third molecule present in the gas phase that collides with O and O₂, leading to the formation of O₃ and M^*. Therefore, M represents a molecule, which is the only option among the choices given.

In the Reactions Involved in the Photodecomposition of Ozone (Shown