The rate law of the reaction 2 NO(g) + 2 H₂(g) → N₂(g) + 2 H₂O(g) is Rate = kr[NO]₂[H₂], and the mechanism that has been proposed is

(a) Which step in the mechanism is likely to be rate determining? Explain your answer. 

(b) Sketch a reaction profile for the overall reaction, which is known to be exothermic. Label the activation energies of each step and the overall reaction enthalpy.

Transcribed Image Text:

Step 1 NO + NO →→→→N₂O₂ Step 2 N₂O₂ + H₂N₂O + H₂O Step 3 N₂O + H₂ N₂ + H₂O — >