What is the Slow Step in This General Chem Kinetics Reaction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the slow step in a chemical kinetics reaction involving nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Participants explore the implications of reaction order and the role of activation energy, with a focus on the relationship between the steps of the reaction and the reactants involved.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the slow step cannot be determined based on the information provided.
  • There is a question about whether the second step can be first order with respect to SO2, given that it does not involve SO2.
  • Participants discuss the definition of activation energy, noting it as the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.
  • One participant asserts that if the second step does not involve SO2, it cannot have any order with respect to SO2.
  • There is confusion about the requirement of SO2 for a step to be considered slow, with some participants questioning this logic.
  • Another participant emphasizes that if a slow step has any order with regard to SO2, SO2 must be part of that reaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the slow step can be determined and the implications of SO2's involvement in the reaction steps. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the identification of the slow step and the role of SO2.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about reaction order and the definitions of terms like activation energy. The participants do not reach a consensus on how to determine the slow step based on the provided information.

Miike012
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Question 1:

Step 1: 2NO2 (g) + 2SO2 (g) = 2NO (g) + 2SO3 (g)
Step 2: 2NO (g) + O2 (g) = 2NO2 (g)
The reaction is found to be first order with respect to NO2 and SO2, what is the slow step for this reaction?

1. First step
2.Second step
3.Not possible to determine

Question 2 and 3: Look at graph.
Questions are located on the graph...

Thank you.

For Question 1: I believe that it is 3. not possible to determine.
Question 2... number 24 on graph I believe it is 8 J
question 3: I have no clue.
 

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Miike012 said:
The reaction is found to be first order with respect to NO2 and SO2, what is the slow step for this reaction?

Does the second step involve SO2? Can it be first order with respect to SO2?

Question 2... number 24 on graph I believe it is 8 J
question 3: I have no clue.

What is the definition of activation energy?
 
Activation energy: min energy of collision required for a chem reaction...

the second step does not involve SO2... I still don't understnad it though?
 
Miike012 said:
Activation energy: min energy of collision required for a chem reaction...

That's not completely off, but it doesn't address what is really important here. It is not total energy, but amount of energy needed to start the reaction. 8J is total.

the second step does not involve SO2... I still don't understnad it though?

If it doesn't involve SO2, can it have ANY order with regards to SO2?
 
If it doesn't involve SO2... then no it can not have any order with regards to SO2...
 
? so what does that mean?
 
If the second step would be the slow one, could it be first order with regards to SO2?
 
No... I don't believe so.. I am just not understanding how to determine the slow step.. I know your trying to tell me something but I still am not understanding how SO2 can determine if its a slow or fast step..
 
You know slow step requires presence of SO2, you also know one of the reactions doesn't involve SO2 at all. Can it be a slow step then?
 
  • #10
I had no idea a slow step REQUIRED SO2... ?
 
  • #11
That's the conclusion from the information given - if slow step has any order with regard to SO2, SO2 must be part of the reaction. This is not some additional rule, this is just application of logic.
 

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