Step 1: HBr + O2  HOOBr (slow)
Step 2: HBr + HOOBr  2HOBr (fast)
Step 3: 2HBr + 2HOBr  2H2O +2Br2 (fast)
a) A catalyst is discovered which increases the rate of Step 3. How will this affect the rate
b) A catalyst is discovered which increases the rate of Step 1. How will this affect the rate

Question

Step 1:   HBr    +    O2    HOOBr                     (slow)
Step 2:  HBr   +  HOOBr    2HOBr                    (fast)
Step 3:   2HBr   +   2HOBr      2H2O  +2Br2   (fast)
a) A catalyst is discovered which increases the rate of Step 3. How will this affect the rate
b)  A catalyst is discovered which increases the rate of Step 1.  How will this affect the rate

aaronq · Answer

the rate is determined by the slow step AND only the slow step.