[Fringe13]

Hello:
I ran into a question in my physical chemistry book:

"The reaction 2H₂O₂(aq) yields 2H₂O(l) + O₂(g) is catalyzed by Br^- ions. If the mechanism is

H₂O₂(aq) + Br^-(aq) yields H₂O(l) + BrO^- (slow)

BrO^-(aq) + H₂O₂(aq) yields H₂O(l) + O₂(g) + Br^-(aq) (fast)

give the order of the reaction with respect to the various participants."

I thought it would be the slowest reaction: -d[H₂O₂]/dt = k[H₂O₂][Br^-]. This is second order. However, my book has the answer as H₂O (l), Br^- (l), and second order. Is my answer correct? Why is the book mentioning H₂O(l) and Br^-(l)?

Sorry, I can't use the arrows to show yields and equilibriums. When I click it, nothing appears. I also don't know how to format fractions on this site. I'm new to this site.

[mjc123]

I suspect the book has a misprint, H₂O for H₂O₂. In aqueous solution, it will be zero order with respect to H₂O, even if that was involved in the RDS. Likewise I think the (l) is an error for (aq).