Chapter 14, Problem 47PS

A proposed mechanism for the reaction of NO₂ and CO is

Step 1: Slow, endothermic

2 NO₂(g) → NO(g) + NO₃(g)

Step 2: Fast, exothermic

NO₃(g) + CO(g) → NO₂(g) + CO₂(g)

Overall Reaction: Exothermic

NO₂(g) + CO(g) → NO(g) + CO₂(g)

1. (a) Identify each of the following as a reactant, product, or intermediate: NO₂(g), CO(g), NO₃(g), CO₂(g), NO(g).
2. (b) Draw a reaction coordinate diagram for this reaction. Indicate on this drawing the activation energy for each step and the overall enthalpy change.