Question

The reaction between NO2 and CO to produce NO and CO2 is believed to occur via two steps: step 1: NO2 + NO2 → NO + NO3 step 2: NO3 + CO → NO2 + CO2 The experimental rate law is rate = k[NO2]2 (a) Write the equation for the overall reaction.

Answer 1

Answer:

Overall: $NO_{2}+CO\rightarrow NO+CO_{2}$

Explanation:

Overall reaction is a combination of step 1 and step 2. The overall reaction is obtained as follows:

Step 1: $NO_{2}+NO_{2}\rightarrow NO+NO_{3}$

Step 2: $NO_{3}+CO\rightarrow NO_{2}+CO_{2}$

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Overall: $NO_{2}+CO\rightarrow NO+CO_{2}$

Here, $NO_{3}$ is produced in the first step and subsequently consumed in second step. Hence, $NO_{3}$ is an intermediate in this reaction.

Intermediates are not involved in overall reactions. Here, also, the overall reaction does not contain $NO_{3}$.