Chapter 14, Problem 45PS

Ozone, O₃, in the Earth’s upper atmosphere decomposes according to the equation

2 O₃(g) → 3 O₂(g)

The mechanism of the reaction is thought to proceed through an initial fast, reversible step followed by a slow, second step.

Step 1: Fast, reversible

O₃(g) ⇄ O₂(g) + O(g)

Step 2: Slow

O₃(g) + O(g) → 2 O₂(g)

1. (a) Which of the steps is rate-determining?
2. (b) Write the rate equation for the rate-determining step