The reaction obeys the rate law

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Rate equations · Rate equations

Problem

The reaction 2 NO+2 H2→N2+2 H2O2\,\mathrm{NO} + 2\,\mathrm{H}_2 \to \mathrm{N}_2 + 2\,\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} obeys the rate law rate=k [NO]2[H2]\text{rate} = k\,[\mathrm{NO}]^2[\mathrm{H}_2]. Consider the mechanism: Step 1 (fast): NO+NO⇌N2O2\mathrm{NO} + \mathrm{NO} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O}_2 Step 2 (slow): N2O2+H2→N2O+H2O\mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2 \to \mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} Step 3 (fast): N2O+H2→N2+H2O\mathrm{N}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{H}_2 \to \mathrm{N}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} Using only the information given, determine whether this mechanism can be valid and justify your answer briefly.

Related theory

Browse the problem library