Qualitative Kinetics - Background

The Ozone-Nitrogen Monoxide Reaction



In order for a reaction to occur when an ozone molecule (O3) collides with a nitrogen monoxide molecule (NO), the nitrogen atom of NO must strike one of the end oxygen atoms on the O3 molecule. When this kind of effective collision occurs, one oxygen and one nitrogen dioxide molecule are formed.

Effective
Collision


If the molecules strike with a different orientation, an ineffective collision occurs and the molecules bounce off each other without reacting.
Ineffective
Collision