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 reactions involved in the photodecomposition of ozone, M represents a third molecule that participates in the reaction but is not consumed or produced. It acts as a collision partner that helps to dissipate the excess energy released from the reaction. Therefore, M can be any molecule that is present in the environment, such as a gas molecule (e.g. nitrogen, oxygen, methane) or a volatile organic compound. Choice E, molecule, represents this concept more accurately.

In the Reactions Involved in the Photodecomposition of Ozone (Shown