Question

Consider the decomposition reaction of N2O5. Is the average rate of change of NO2 positive or negative?

2N205 (g) → 4 NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
a) It is expected to be a positive value since NO2 is a product of the reaction.
b) It is expected to be a negative value since NO2 is a product of the reaction.
c) It is expected to be a negative value at first and then become positive as the reaction proceeds.
d) It is expected to be a positive value at first and then become negative as the reaction proceeds.

Answer 1

The average rate of change of NO2 in the decomposition reaction of N2O5 is expected to be positive at first and then become negative as the reaction proceeds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The average rate of change of NO2 in the decomposition reaction of N2O5 is expected to be a positive value at first and then become negative as the reaction proceeds.

According to the balanced chemical equation, 2 mol of N2O5 decompose to produce 4 mol of NO2. As the reaction progresses, the concentration of N2O5 decreases while the concentration of NO2 increases. At the beginning of the reaction, when there is a higher concentration of N2O5, the rate of change of NO2 is expected to be positive. However, as the concentration of N2O5 decreases, the rate of production of NO2 will also decrease, resulting in a negative rate of change of NO2.