If Step 1 is at equilibrium, then....
rate1 (fwd) = rate1 (rev)
k1[NO][O2] = k-1[NO3]
or
Solving for [NO3]:
[NO3] = (k1/k-1)[NO][O2]
Substituting into the rate law for rate-limiting Step 2:
rate2 = k2[NO3][NO] = k2 (k1/k-1)[NO][O2][NO] = [(k1k2)/k-1][NO]2[O2]
Conclusion: The proposed mechanism is consistent
with the kinetic data.
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