The reaction profile for the mechanism NO₂(g)+ F₂(g)$\rightarrow$NO₂F(g)+ F(g) Slow F(g)+ NO₂(g)$\rightarrow$NO₂F(g) Fast Shows A) two maxima, the first maximum being the higher. B) two maxima, the second maximum being the higher. C) one maximum for the second step. D) two maxima, both the same height.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction profile shows two maxima because there are two steps in the mechanism. The first step is the slow step, which determines the overall rate of the reaction and thus has a higher energy barrier (first maximum being higher) than the second, fast step.

The Reaction Profile for the Mechanism NO2(g)+ F2(g) →\rightarrow→ NO2F(g)+ F(g) Slow F(g)+ NO2(g)

The Reaction Profile for the Mechanism
NO₂(g)+ F₂(g) $\rightarrow$ NO₂F(g)+ F(g)
Slow
F(g)+ NO₂(g)