Chapter 1: Problem 2
A multi-step reaction takes place with the following elementary steps: $\begin{array}{ll}{\text { Step I. }} & {A+B=C} \\ {\text { Step II. }} & {C+A \rightarrow D} \\ {\text { Step III. }} & {C+D \rightarrow B+E}\end{array}$ What is the function of species B in this reaction? (A) Without it, no reaction would take place. (B) It is a reaction intermediate which facilitates the progress of the reaction. (C) It is a catalyst which changes the overall order of the reaction. (D) It lowers the overall activation energy of the reaction.