Part of the Contact Process for the manufacture of sulfuric acid involves the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, as shown by the equation: $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g) \quad \Delta H = -192 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$$ As part of a laboratory study of this process, a container was filled with an equilibrium mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. The container was initially at 450°C. The container had a fixed volume and was thermally well insulated. Concentrations during a following experiment are shown on the diagram below. *Diagram not included* a. What change occurred at the 10 minute point? b. Which components of the equilibrium mixture are represented by X and Y? X = Y = c. Give explanations for the changes in concentration that occur in X, Y and O2 between 10 and 20 minutes. d. Would the temperature of the mixture increase, decrease or remain the same between 10 and 20 minutes? Explain your reasoning.

SSCE VCE Chemistry Measuring Changes in Chemical Reactions: Part of the Contact Process for

Part of the Contact Process for the manufacture of sulfuric acid involves the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, as shown by the equation: $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g) \quad \Delta H = -192 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$$ As part of a laboratory study of this process, a container was filled with an equilibrium mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2003 - Paper 1

Question 2

$Part-of-the-Contact-Process-for-the-manufacture-of-sulfuric-acid-involves-the-conversion-of-sulfur-dioxide-to-sulfur-trioxide,-as-shown-by-the-equation:--$$2SO_2(g)-+-O_2(g)-\rightleftharpoons-2SO_3(g)-\quad-\Delta-H-=--192-\-kJ-\-mol^{-1}$$--As-part-of-a-laboratory-study-of-this-process,-a-container-was-filled-with-an-equilibrium-mixture-of-sulfur-dioxide,-sulfur-trioxide-and-oxygen-in-the-presence-of-a-catalyst-VCE-SSCE Chemistry-Question 2-2003-Paper 1.png$

Part of the Contact Process for the manufacture of sulfuric acid involves the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, as shown by the equation: $$2SO_2(g) ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Part of the Contact Process for the manufacture of sulfuric acid involves the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, as shown by the equation: $$2SO_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2SO_3(g) \quad \Delta H = -192 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$$ As part of a laboratory study of this process, a container was filled with an equilibrium mixture of sulfur dioxide, sulfur trioxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2003 - Paper 1

Step 1

What change occurred at the 10 minute point?

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Answer

At the 10 minute point, there was an increase in the concentration of SO2, indicating that the reaction is proceeding to form more SO3, and the consumption of O2 is also observed.

Step 2

Which components of the equilibrium mixture are represented by X and Y?

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Answer

X = SO2, Y = SO3

Step 3

Give explanations for the changes in concentration that occur in X, Y and O2 between 10 and 20 minutes.

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Answer

Between 10 and 20 minutes, the concentration of X (SO2) increases because more O2 is added, shifting the equilibrium position to the right. Consequently, the concentration of Y (SO3) decreases, as it is being consumed to produce more sulfur trioxide. Since O2 is the reactant that is being added to the system, its concentration will also increase. The overall trend shows an approach towards a new equilibrium state as the system adjusts to the change.

Step 4

Would the temperature of the mixture increase, decrease or remain the same between 10 and 20 minutes? Explain your reasoning.

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Answer

The temperature of the mixture would likely decrease because the reaction is exothermic. As the forward reaction produces heat, adding more reactants (O2) will favor the forward reaction, subsequently pulling heat away from the mixture, leading to a drop in temperature.

What change occurred at the 10 minute point?

Which components of the equilibrium mixture are represented by X and Y?

Give explanations for the changes in concentration that occur in X, Y and O2 between 10 and 20 minutes.

Would the temperature of the mixture increase, decrease or remain the same between 10 and 20 minutes? Explain your reasoning.

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