The gas-phase isomerization of compound A to compound B proceeds by the following mechanism at 430 K:
Step 1 (slow) A + A → A₂
Step 2 (fast) A₂ + C → AC + A
Step 3 (fast) AC → B + C
Species C acts as a temporary reaction partner but is regenerated in Step 3.
Answer the questions that follow.
(a) Derive the rate law for the overall conversion of A to B based on the proposed mechanism, expressing the rate in terms of the measurable concentrations of A and C.
(b) Identify the overall order of the reaction with respect to A and with respect to C.
(c) Predict qualitatively how the initial rate would be affected if the pressure of C were increased at constant temperature, and briefly justify your prediction.