Ammonia is produced when a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen reacts - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 6
Ammonia is produced when a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen reacts.
The equation for the reaction is:
$$N_2(g) + 3H_2(g) ⇌ 2NH_3(g)$$
06.1
Nitrogen is obtained f... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Ammonia is produced when a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen reacts - AQA - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain how a sample can be tested to show that carbon dioxide is not present in the mixture.
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Answer
To test for carbon dioxide in a gas mixture, you can use limewater (calcium hydroxide solution). If carbon dioxide is present, the limewater will turn milky or cloudy. If the limewater remains colorless, it indicates that carbon dioxide is not present.
Step 2
Explain how a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction.
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Answer
A catalyst provides an alternative pathway for the reaction, which has a lower activation energy. This allows more reactant molecules to have sufficient energy to react at a given temperature, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction.
Step 3
Explain how an equilibrium is reached.
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An equilibrium is reached in a closed system when the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal. This occurs when the apparatus prevents the escape of reactants and products, allowing both reactions to occur at the same rate.
Step 4
Suggest how the catalyst affects the equilibrium position. Give one reason for your answer.
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A catalyst does not affect the equilibrium position; it increases the rates of both the forward and reverse reactions by the same amount. Therefore, the position of equilibrium remains unchanged.
Step 5
What is the effect of increasing the pressure on the reaction to produce ammonia? Tick (✓) one box.
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The yield of ammonia increases.
Step 6
Explain the effect of increasing the temperature on the yield of ammonia gas produced at equilibrium.
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Increasing the temperature shifts the equilibrium position in the endothermic direction. Since the forward reaction is exothermic, raising the temperature will decrease the amount of ammonia produced at equilibrium.