Chapter 13.5, Problem 10PE

The reaction between NO₂ and CO to produce NO and CO₂ is believed to occur via two steps:

$\begin{array}{rr}\hfill \text{Step 1:}& \hfill {\text{NO}}_2+{\text{NO}}_2\stackrel{}{\to }\text{NO}+{\text{NO}}_2\\ \hfill \text{Step 2:}& \hfill {\text{NO}}_3+\text{CO}\stackrel{}{\to }{\text{NO}}_2+{\text{CO}}_2\end{array}$

The experimental rate law is rate = k[NO₂]². (a) Write the equation for the overall reaction. (b) Identify the intermediate. (c) What can you say about the relative rates of steps 1 and 2?