Final answer:
The proposed mechanism for the reduction of nitrogen as NO by hydrogen is a three-step process resulting in the rate law rate = k[NO]²[H₂], based on the rate-determining step.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proposed mechanism for the reduction of nitrogen as NO by hydrogen involves a three-step process. During this process, nitrogen monoxide (NO) reacts with molecular hydrogen (H₂) to form nitrogen gas (N₂) and water (H₂O). According to the given mechanism:
- 2NO + H₂ → N₂ + H₂O₂ (slow step)
- H₂O₂ + H₂ → 2H₂O (fast step)
The rate law for this reaction if follows the proposed mechanism would be determined by the slowest step, also known as the rate-determining step. Therefore, the rate law would be rate = k[NO]²[H₂], where 'k' represents the rate constant for the reaction, and the brackets indicate the concentrations of the reactants involved.