Question

Oxidation of NO2 and SO2 in the gas-phase produces nitric acid and sulfuric acid, respectively, and proceeds predominantly through reaction with the hydroxyl radical.

OH + NO2 → HNO3 k1 = 6E-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1

For this problem, you can assume the initial mixing ratio of NO2 is 4.0 ppbv and a steady-state [OH] = 3E6 mlc cm-3. We will assume there are no additional sources of NO2 for this system, and there is no initial nitric acid present at t0.

i. Write the rate equation for NO2 loss

ii. Integrate your rate equation to obtain an expression for [NO2] as a function of t

iii. Make a plot of [NO2] vs. time for t = 0-3 hours (use enough data points to create a smooth curve)

Answer 1