For each reaction, the rate equation and a possible mechanism are given.
Reaction 1: rate =k[NX2OX5]
Step 1: NX2OX5NOX2+NOX3 (slow)
Step 2: NOX2+NOX3NO+OX2+NOX2 (fast)
Step 3: NO+NOX32NOX2 (fast)
Reaction 2: rate =k[NOX2]2
Step 1: 2NOX2NO+NOX3 (slow)
Step 2: NOX3+NO2NOX2 (fast)
Compare the two reactions in terms of the order of reaction with respect to the reactant, the overall order, the rate-determining step, and the role of any intermediate in each mechanism.
How this question is marked
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Compare means: Give similarities or differences between two things, and say which side each point belongs to. Write each point as a pair, for example: A is X, whereas B is Y. Two separate descriptions rarely earn the marks.
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