Question

The rate law for the reaction

`2H_(2(g))+2NO_((g))->N_(2(g))+2H_2O_((g))`

is given by rate= `K[H_2][NO]^2`

The reaction occurs in the following two steps:

a. `H_(2(g)) +2NO_((g))->N_2O_((g))+H_2O_((g))`

b. `N_2O_((g))+H_(2(g))->N_(2(g))+H_2O_((g))`

What is the role of N₂O in the mechanism? What is the molecularity of each of the elementary steps?

Answer 1

a. Role of N₂O: N₂O acts as an intermediate since it is produced in first step and consumed in second step. 

b. The first step is trimolecular/termolecular. The second step is bimolecular.