When carbon monoxide collides with an oxygen molecule, which collision orientation is more likely to yield carbon dioxide?
AThe oxygen side of CO striking the O2 molecule
BThe carbon side of CO striking the O2 molecule
CEither orientation gives carbon dioxide equally
DA glancing collision that leaves the O2 intact
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The carbon side of CO striking the O2 molecule
1. Collision theory demands an orientation that brings the atoms to be bonded into contact.
2. Carbon dioxide has a central carbon bonded to two oxygen atoms, written O=C=O.
3. Only a collision on the carbon side of CO lets a new carbon to oxygen bond form.
4. An oxygen side impact presents the wrong atom, so the orientations are far from equally productive.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 12 "Kinetics", section 12.5 Collision Theory_
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