Question

How would adding the catalyst nitrogen monoxide (NO) affect this reaction?

2SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2SO3(g)

A.
NO increases the rate at which SO3 molecules are formed.
B.
NO reacts with SO3 to produce more SO2 molecules.
C.
NO decreases collisions between the SO2 and O2 molecules.
D.
NO increases the concentration of the SO2 and O2 molecules.
E.
NO increases the activation energy of the SO2 and O2 molecules.

Answer 1

The answer above is correct

A. NO increases the rate at which molecules are formed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer: A. NO increases the rate at which
`SO_3` molecules are formed.

Explanation: The catalyst makes it possible for the reaction to take place by another path that makes possible reaction at a lower energy.

Activation energy is the extra energy that must be supplied to reactants in order to cross the energy barrier and thus convert to products.

A catalyst is a substance which increases the rate of a reaction by taking the reaction through a different path which involves lower activation energy and thus more reactants
`(SO_2)` and
`(O_2)` undergo collision and can cross the energy barrier and convert to products
`(SO_3)`

Thus NO increases the rate at which
`SO_3` molecules are formed.