The reaction between NO2 and CO to produce NO and CO2 is believed to occur via two steps: step 1: NO2 + NO2 → NO + NO3 step 2: NO3 + CO → NO2 + CO2 The experimental rate law is rate = k[NO2]2 (a) Write the equation for the overall reaction.

Overall:

Explanation:

Overall reaction is a combination of step 1 and step 2. The overall reaction is obtained as follows:

Step 1:

Step 2:

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Overall:

Here, is produced in the first step and subsequently consumed in second step. Hence, is an intermediate in this reaction.

Intermediates are not involved in overall reactions. Here, also, the overall reaction does not contain .