A gas-phase reaction 2E→products was monitored at constant temperature. The experimentally determined rate constant has the units L2mol−2s−1.
(a) Determine the overall order of the reaction.
(b) Write the most general algebraic form of the rate law that is compatible with the units of the rate constant and the observed stoichiometry.
(c) A student proposes that the reaction could actually follow an elementary termolecular mechanism involving two molecules of E and one molecule of an inert gas M. Discuss whether the given units for k support or contradict the student’s proposal.