Question

how would adding the catalyst nitrogen monoxide (no) affect this reaction?
2so₂(g) + o₂(g) → 2so₃(g)
a. no increases the rate at which so₃ molecules are formed.
b. no reacts with so₃ to produce more so₂ molecules.
c. no decreases collisions between the so₂ and o₂ molecules.
d. no increases the concentration of the so₂ and o₂ molecules.
e. no increases the activation energy of the so₂ and o₂ molecules.

Explanation:

A catalyst speeds up a reaction by lowering the activation energy, which increases the rate of product formation. For the reaction \(2SO_2(g)+O_2(g)
ightarrow2SO_3(g)\), adding NO (a catalyst) will increase the rate at which \(SO_3\) (the product) is formed. Option B is wrong as catalysts don't react with products to reverse the reaction. Option C is wrong because catalysts increase effective collisions, not decrease. Option D is wrong as catalysts don't change reactant concentrations. Option E is wrong as catalysts lower activation energy, not increase it.

Answer:

A. NO increases the rate at which \(SO_3\) molecules are formed.