Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 80

Large quantities of hydrogen are needed for the synthesis of ammonia. One preparation of hydrogen involves the reaction between carbon monoxide and steam at \(300^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) in the presence of a copper-zinc catalyst: $$ \mathrm{CO}(g)+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{CO}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{H}_{2}(g) $$.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The reaction discussed in the exercise is where carbon monoxide and steam react to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen at \(300^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) with the presence of a copper-zinc catalyst. This condition favors the forward reaction, producing greater quantities of hydrogen gas which can then be used for the synthesis of ammonia.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Reaction

In this reaction, one mole of carbon monoxide (CO) reacts with one mole of water vapor (H2O) to produce one mole of carbon dioxide (CO2) and one mole of hydrogen (H2). This reaction is reversible, which means it can happen in both directions. However, under the given conditions, namely temperature of \(300^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and the presence of a copper-zinc catalyst, the forward reaction is favored.
02

Understand the Role of Temperature

The given temperature of \(300^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is important for this reaction. At higher temperatures, the rate of reaction increases, and the equilibrium shifts to favor the products (CO2 and H2). This shift occurs to minimize the effect of the temperature increase, according to Le Chatelier’s Principle.
03

Understand the Role of the Catalyst

The copper-zinc catalyst has an important role as well. Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of chemical reaction without being consumed. They act by providing an alternative reaction pathway with lower energy requirement. In this case, the copper-zinc catalyst helps to speed up the reaction, producing hydrogen more quickly.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Find the temperatures at which reactions with the following \(\Delta H\) and \(\Delta S\) values would become spontaneous: (a) \(\Delta H=-126 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}, \Delta S=84 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol}\) (b) \(\Delta H=-11.7 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}, \Delta S=-105 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol}\).

Without consulting Appendix \(2,\) predict whether the entropy change is positive or negative for each of the following reactions. Give reasons for your predictions. (a) \(2 \mathrm{KClO}_{4}(s) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{KClO}_{3}(s)+\mathrm{O}_{2}(g)\) (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l)\) (c) \(2 \mathrm{Na}(s)+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NaOH}(a q)+\mathrm{H}_{2}(g)\) (d) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}(g) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{~N}(g)\)

Use the following data to determine the normal boiling point, in kelvins, of mercury. What assumptions must you make in order to do the calculation? $$ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{Hg}(l): & \Delta H_{\mathrm{f}}^{\circ} &=0 \text { (by definition) } \\\ & S^{\circ} &=77.4 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol} \\ \mathrm{Hg}(g): & \Delta H_{\mathrm{f}}^{\circ} &=60.78 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} \\ & S^{\circ} &=174.7 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{K} \cdot \mathrm{mol} \end{aligned} $$

A certain reaction is known to have a \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) value of \(-122 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\). Will the reaction necessarily occur if the reactants are mixed together?

Which of the following is not accompanied by an increase in the entropy of the system? (a) mixing of two gases at the same temperature and pressure, (b) mixing of ethanol and water, (c) discharging a battery, (d) expansion of a gas followed by compression to its original temperature, pressure, and volume.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free