Consider the reaction mechanism below.
Step 1 2 NO2(g) + F2(g) → 2 NO2F(g) (slow)
Step 2 NO2F(g) + NO2(g) → N2O4(g) + F2(g) (fast)
Suppose the initial concentrations are [NO2]₀ and [F2]₀. If [NO2] is tripled and [F2] is simultaneously reduced to one-third of its original value, by what factor will the initial rate change?
a) It will increase by a factor of 9.
b) It will increase by a factor of 3.
c) It will decrease to one–third of its original value.
d) It will remain unchanged.