A proposed mechanism for the decomposition of ozone in the atmosphere is:
Step 1: Cl(g) + O₃(g) $\rightarrow$ ClO(g) + O₂(g)
Step 2: ClO(g) + O₃(g) $\rightarrow$ Cl(g) + 2 O₂(g)
Which of the following species is an intermediate?

Question

A proposed mechanism for the decomposition of ozone in the atmosphere is:
Step 1: Cl(g) + O₃(g)

\rightarrow

ClO(g) + O₂(g)
Step 2: ClO(g) + O₃(g)

\rightarrow

Cl(g) + 2 O₂(g)
Which of the following species is an intermediate?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this proposed mechanism, ClO is formed in the first step and then reacts in the second step to reform Cl and produce oxygen species (O₂). ClO is an intermediate because it is formed in one step and then consumed/reacted in the next step, not appearing in the overall reaction equation. Therefore, the correct answer is C) ClO.

A Proposed Mechanism for the Decomposition of Ozone in the Atmosphere