Question

The decomposition of ozone in the upper atmosphere to dioxygen occurs by a two-step mechanism.The first step is a fast reversible step and the second is a slow reaction between an oxygen atom and an ozone molecule:Step 1: O3(g) O2(g) + O(g) Fast, reversible, reactionStep 2: O3(g) + O(g) → 2O2(g) SlowWhich is the rate determining step?

Answer 1

The rate determining step in the ozone decomposition mechanism is the second step.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate determining step is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism. In this case, the second step of the ozone decomposition mechanism is the slowest step, which makes it the rate determining step. This is because the rate of the overall reaction is determined by the rate of the slowest step.

The sluggish response between an oxygen particle and an ozone atom, is the rate deciding move toward the given response instrument.

In this way, the rate deciding move toward the disintegration of ozone to dioxygen is:

Step 2: (slow reaction between an oxygen atom and an ozone molecule): O3(g) + O(g) 2O2(g)

Answer 2

Answer: Step 2 in the given mechanism is the rate determining step

Step-by-step explanation:

In a mechanism of the reaction, the slow step in the mechanism determines the rate of the reaction.

The intermediate reaction of the mechanism follows:

Step 1:
`O_3(g)\rightleftharpoons O_2(g)+O(g);\text{ (fast)}`

Step 2:
`O_3(g)+O(g)\rightarrow 2O_2(g);\text{(slow)}`

As, step 2 is the slow step. It is the rate determining step

Rate law for the reaction follows:

`\text{Rate}=k[O_3][O]`

Hence, step 2 in the given mechanism is the rate determining step