Given the following three elementary steps:1) NO_2 + CO → NO + CO_22) NO_2 + NO → NO_3 + NO3) NO_3 + CO → NO_2 + CO_2What is the overall reaction that results from these steps?

• A. 2 NO_2 + 2 CO → 2 NO + 2 CO_2
• B. 2 NO_2 + CO → 2 NO + CO_2
• C. 2 NO_2 + 2 CO → 2 NO + 2 CO_2
• D. NO_2 + CO → NO + CO_2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write down each elementary step as given, ensuring all reactants and products are clearly noted:
2. \[\text{Step 1: } \mathrm{NO_2} + \mathrm{CO} \rightarrow \mathrm{NO} + \mathrm{CO_2}\]
3. \[\text{Step 2: } \mathrm{NO_2} + \mathrm{NO} \rightarrow \mathrm{NO_3} + \mathrm{NO}\]
4. \[\text{Step 3: } \mathrm{NO_3} + \mathrm{CO} \rightarrow \mathrm{NO_2} + \mathrm{CO_2}\]
5. Identify and cancel out any intermediate species that appear on both sides of the overall reaction when you add the steps together. Intermediates are species produced in one step and consumed in another. In this case, look for species like \(\mathrm{NO}\) and \(\mathrm{NO_3}\) that appear on both sides.
6. Add the three steps algebraically, canceling intermediates, to find the overall reaction. Sum all reactants on the left and all products on the right, then remove species that appear on both sides to simplify the equation to its net form.